MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow has spoken out in defence of Meghan Markle following the Duchess of Sussex's unexpected guest appearance on the cooking competition, dismissing widespread speculation about the visit.
Ms Yeow offered an unequivocal endorsement of Meghan's conduct during filming.
“There's so much public conjecture about this,” she said. “She was so delightful, like nothing but praise for the time that we spent with her.”
The judge went on to characterise the Duchess of Sussex as “very easy-going, good sense of humour, a consummate professional,” painting a picture starkly at odds with the controversy.
MasterChef judge rushes to Meghan Markle's defence amid 'public conjecture'
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The appearance itself had been shrouded in secrecy until a promotional clip emerged on Channel Ten's social media platforms mere hours after cameras stopped rolling.
In the footage, Ms Yeow could be heard introducing the guest with the words: “We've had MasterChef royalty in the kitchen before, but no one like this all the way from sunny California, please welcome to MasterChef Australia, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.”
An insider previously claimed that Meghan and her team were positioned outside the studio doors during filming and only discovered the wording when it was broadcast publicly.
The source described them as “very frustrated” to news.com.au, having expressly stipulated beforehand that the term “royal” should be avoided amid ongoing scrutiny over the Sussexes' use of their royal connection during the tour.
Meghan Markle pictured as a judge on MasterChef
| MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA / CHANNEL 10However, Ms Yeow maintained that Meghan delivered a polished performance and attributed this to her professional background in entertainment.
“She's an actor, right? So she just slid right into that judging role seamlessly,” the judge continued to tell KIIS 106.5.
According to Ms Yeow, the duchess handled the TV appearance with apparent ease, her extensive experience in front of cameras proving invaluable from the moment she arrived on set.
The guest spot is understood to be connected to Meghan's lifestyle venture As Ever, which offers products including jams, honey, flower sprinkles, shortbread mixes and wine.
Poh Ling Yeow is a judge on MasterChef Australia
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LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pictured at Bondi Beach | REUTERSIt was previously reported that Australia could become the brand's inaugural international market.
However, the Duchess of Sussex's spokesman told GB News at the time: “This is speculation. No decisions have been made about when or where international expansion might take place.
“Entering new markets is a considered process, but it’s something the brand is excited to explore as it continues to grow in this next phase. Watch this space.”