Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is preparing to return to television with an appearance on the upcoming season of 'Junior MasterChef Australia'. The 45-year-old former actress will join the cooking competition as a special guest judge when the popular reality series returns after a six-year break, according to reports. 

While initial reports suggested that Meghan would co-host the programme, PEOPLE has confirmed that she will instead make a guest appearance alongside host Poh Ling Yeow. The Duchess is expected to begin filming in Melbourne in 2027, with the show scheduled to air on Australia's Network 10.

The television appearance follows Meghan's earlier participation in 'MasterChef Australia' in April 2026, when she joined the judging panel during a visit to the country.

Meghan Markle to join 'Junior MasterChef Australia' as guest judge

According to ABC Australia, a spokesperson for Network 10 confirmed that 'Junior MasterChef Australia' would return to television after six years, with Meghan among the personalities taking part in the new season.

The Duchess will work alongside Poh Ling Yeow, helping young contestants develop their cooking skills and showcase their abilities in the kitchen.

A press release cited by PEOPLE said the pair would “help guide the next generation of young culinary talent,” as the competition introduces a new group of aspiring chefs.

Meghan also expressed excitement about returning to the programme, particularly because of her interest in cooking with children.

"When they approached me to come back and work with this young group of talent, it was an easy yes," the Duchess of Sussex said in a statement on Tuesday, according to AFP.

"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."

The upcoming appearance will mark another television assignment for Meghan, who is also known for playing Rachel Zane in the legal drama 'Suits'.

Meghan's previous 'MasterChef Australia' appearance

Meghan previously appeared as a guest judge on 'MasterChef Australia' during her visit to Australia in April 2026.

During that appearance, she helped mentor contestants alongside judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Her involvement in the junior edition will see her return to the cooking competition format, this time working with younger participants.

According to ABC Australia and USA Today, filming for 'Junior MasterChef Australia' will take place in Melbourne in 2027.

PEOPLE also reported that Meghan is expected to spend only a few weeks in Australia for the production.

Despite speculation surrounding her visit, there are currently no plans for the Duchess, her husband Prince Harry or their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, to relocate to Australia.

Meghan Markle's strained relationship with father Thomas Markle

The announcement of Meghan's television return comes amid renewed attention surrounding her estranged father, Thomas Markle, who is facing allegations involving child sexual abuse material.

According to the BBC, sources close to the Duchess said she ended contact with her father in 2025 after learning of allegations against him.

Meghan reportedly sent a letter to her father while he was recovering in a hospital in the Philippines following a leg amputation. In the letter, she allegedly informed him that she and the authorities were aware of claims of sexual abuse involving young girls.

The letter also reportedly made clear that Thomas Markle, now 82, would never meet his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, and that Meghan did not intend to contact him again.

Meghan and her father have been estranged since 2018, when he withdrew from her wedding to Prince Harry, citing health problems.

The 2025 letter, first reported by The Sun on Sunday, is understood to have marked a further breakdown in their relationship.

Authorities investigate allegations against Thomas Markle

The allegations gained renewed attention after Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, reportedly discovered images and videos suspected to contain child sexual abuse material among belongings at their father's former residence in the Philippines.

Speaking to The Sun, Markle Jr claimed he had found the material and subsequently contacted the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in July.

The FBI has confirmed that it is aware of the allegations.

Philippine authorities have also launched an investigation. Officials told the BBC that the country's anti-human trafficking and child sexual exploitation task force was examining the claims.

Philippines Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla said police had secured Thomas Markle's computer and planned to conduct a digital forensic examination.

Thomas Markle has denied allegations of sexually abusing minors or possessing child sexual abuse material.

In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, he acknowledged having paid for sex during previous visits to the Philippines but denied having sexual contact with underage girls.

The allegations remain under investigation, and no findings establishing his involvement have been reported in the information available.