Meghan Markle’s Junior MasterChef Australia cohost, Poh Ling Yeow, has her back amid her new role.
The Duchess of Sussex’s new gig drew mixed reactions after it was announced but Yeow, 52, defended Meghan against the backlash while speaking to Pedestrian TV on Wednesday, October 28.
“Honestly, that was a really crazy experience to actually watch the fallout,” Yeow admitted. “Seriously, the woman has a will of steel and I just have even more admiration for her.”
Yeow also weighed in on why she believes Meghan’s career moves can seemingly create controversy at times.
“I think rumors just follow because it’s just the nature of the beast, you know. Like people are insatiable and horrible and you know,” Yeow continued.
The Australian TV host added that she also copped some heat by association, explaining, “I guess I was latently experiencing it because some of it even came my way but it’s like, it’s fine.”
Earlier this week, Australia’s Network 10 announced Meghan’s new gig after she appeared as a special guest on MasterChef Australia last year.
Meghan will film the spinoff series over two weeks in May 2027, with the season slated to air later the same year.
“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,” Meghan said in a statement on Tuesday, October 27.
She added, “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!”
Yeow, who is currently a judge on MasterChef Australia and was the runner-up in the show’s first season in 2009, also expressed her excitement about teaming up with Meghan for Junior MasterChef.
“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,” Yeow said via a statement.
She added, “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.”
Former Suits actress Meghan previously hosted the Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, which ran for two seasons after debuting in 2025.
