The Duchess of Sussex has been announced as an unexpected new judge for MasterChef.
Meghan Markle, who wed Prince Harry in 2018, became international news when the couple stepped away from their royal responsibilities in January 2020.
Since then, they have pursued various ventures, releasing documentaries, podcasts, and books in the subsequent years.
It has now come to light that Markle will appear as a guest on MasterChef Australia, bringing royal appeal to the popular cooking competition.
A post shared by MasterChef Australia (@masterchefau)
Production teams have verified she will be part of the panel as a guest judge for the show’s eighteenth season.
MasterChef Australia posted on Instagram: “We’re welcoming someone SUPER special into the MasterChef Kitchen.
“Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, makes a special guest appearance this season as she returns to Australia for the first time since 2018.
“Joining a star-studded lineup of Guest Judges and culinary icons, Meghan helps guide some of the most impressive home cooks the competition has ever seen.
“This is the series of MasterChef you don’t want to miss.”
Chef Rick Stein from the Cotswolds will also appear in the season, along with Maggie Beer and Curtis Stone.
The 79-year-old chef was born in Churchill, Chipping Norton and spent his childhood on a farm in Oxfordshire.
After leaving the county, his business has expanded significantly, with four establishments in Cornwall alone.
The new season premieres on 19 April on Network 10 and streaming service 10 Streaming in Australia.