Meghan 'can't wait' to join Junior MasterChef Australia as host

Meghan Markle has said she "can't wait" to join as a host for the upcoming series of Junior MasterChef Australia.

The Duchess of Sussex will be returning to the programme after featuring as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia this summer.

"I had an incredible time with the whole team at MasterChef this past April, so when they approached me to come back and work with this young group of talent, it was an easy yes," she said in a statement.

"I love cooking with my own kids, so seeing what these young stars create in the kitchen is going to be a lot of fun.

"I can't wait to see what they cook up."

Paramount Australia announced Meghan's return to Australian TV on Tuesday, saying the programme will air next year on Network Ten.

Meghan, 45, will host alongside Australian chef and TV presenter Poh Ling Yeow.

Poh Ling Yeow said: "I'm thrilled to bits that Junior MasterChef is returning to our screens. People often ask me whether it might come back, so I know the news will be met with plenty of excitement.

"I had a lovely time filming with Meghan earlier this year, and being reunited will be a real treat. I can't wait to meet our pint-sized culinary adventurers - I'm expecting plenty of delicious surprises and a little mischief, too."

The duchess appeared as a guest judge on the 18th season of MasterChef Australia, where contestants were challenged to transform a staple ingredient into a dish "fit for a duchess".

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Paramount said her appearance drew the programme's largest Sunday audience since 2023.

A statement from the company said: "With Poh's culinary expertise and Meghan's enthusiasm for cooking and nurturing young talent, Junior MasterChef Australia promises to serve up plenty of inspiration as the next generation of Australian cooks steps into the kitchen."

Meghan is set to be based in Australia for the duration of filming, which is likely to take place over weeks in early to mid-2027, Australian outlet News.com.au said.

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