MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow has firmly rejected suggestions that Meghan Markle was in any way difficult during her guest appearance on the cooking competition, describing the Duchess of Sussex as “really lovely.”
Speaking on a Perth radio programme, Ms Yeow made clear she had grown weary of the persistent questioning, joking: “If I had a buck for every time I’ve been asked about Meghan, I’d be a billionaire.”
She went on to paint a picture entirely at odds with the negative reports: “We had such a lovely time with her. She was a model citizen honestly.
“Just no fuss, she actually hung out with us judges and didn’t scurry away into her green room.
MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow has firmly rejected suggestions that Meghan Markle was in any way difficult during her guest appearance on the cooking competition
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PA
“She was completely engaged with the whole process and she really knows her food. There was nothing to complain about at all.”
The controversy stemmed from allegations that Meghan had become “very frustrated” after Ms Yeow referred to her as “royalty” during her on-set introduction, with her team having reportedly requested that no mention be made of her royal connections.
Ms Yeow was reported to have been left “upset” by the incident and eager to apologise to smooth things over.
When radio hosts raised these rumours, attributed to unnamed sources, Ms Yeow was unequivocal in her response: “It’s ridiculous.”
Poh Ling Yeow is a judge on MasterChef Australia | GETTY
She added: “It’s the first time anything like that has happened to me. So it’s been very eye-opening to me to see what Meghan cops every day, and it’s really full on.”
The episode was recorded in April during the Sussexes’ trip to Australia and broadcast at the end of July.
Despite the furore surrounding Meghan’s participation, the episode proved a massive draw for audiences.
Figures from broadcaster Network 10 revealed that more than 1.5 million viewers tuned in, smashing records for the largest overnight Sunday audience since July 2023 and achieving the biggest-ever overnight streaming numbers.
Poh Ling Yeow declared in the programme’s trailer: ‘We’ve had MasterChef royalty in the kitchen before but no one like this’ | MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA / CHANNEL 10
During the episode, Meghan challenged contestants to prepare a dish “fit for a Duchess,” shared that her children Archie and Lilibet enjoy eating Brussels sprouts, and was joined by Prince Harry via video call during the judging segment.
Viewer reaction was split, however. Some questioned whether the guest spot, traditionally given to established chefs, was appropriate for someone they regarded as a home cook.
Others welcomed her presence, praising her calm demeanour and supportive approach as a refreshing change for the high-pressure kitchen.