Meghan Markle to co-host Junior MasterChef Australia in 2027, sparking mixed reactions and security funding debate
Unbiased summary
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been confirmed as a co-host of Junior MasterChef Australia, with filming set for early-to-mid 2027 in Melbourne. The announcement follows her guest appearance on MasterChef Australia in April, which drew a large audience. While some fans and industry figures have welcomed the move, a petition with hundreds of signatures has been started by Australians who believe the role should go to local talent. Additionally, both major political parties in Victoria have ruled out funding her security during the visit. The news comes amid wider media coverage of Meghan's personal life, including reports about her estranged father.
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Coverage by outlet
The Mirror
centre-left
Angle
The Mirror frames the story as a backlash against Meghan, emphasising negative public opinion and questioning why an Australian wasn't chosen.
Bias
The article heavily focuses on the petition and quotes several individuals expressing dislike for Meghan, using emotional language such as 'I hate her.' It downplays the excitement mentioned in the headline and omits any positive reactions or context about her previous success on the show. The coverage strays from neutral by disproportionately amplifying critical voices and presenting the backlash as widespread.
The Independent
centre-left
Angle
The Independent presents the story as a straightforward career update, framing Meghan's new role as a positive development with minimal focus on controversy.
Bias
The article reports the facts of the role and mentions her previous appearance but omits any mention of the petition or negative reactions. It also includes unrelated details about her half-brother and father, which may distract from the main story. The coverage is mostly neutral but lacks balance by not acknowledging the criticism that other outlets report.
i Paper
centre
Angle
i Paper takes an analytical angle, explaining the strategic reasons behind Meghan's choice to appear on MasterChef Australia and framing it as a career move.
Bias
The article focuses on industry insights and positive aspects, such as ratings boosts and image softening, without mentioning the petition or security funding debate. It omits any negative public reaction, presenting the move as a calculated and beneficial step. This creates a one-sided narrative that downplays the controversy.
Daily Mail
right
Angle
The Daily Mail frames the story around the behind-the-scenes decision-making and adds political controversy over security costs, portraying Meghan as a divisive figure.
Bias
The article emphasises the producer's 'bold email' and the debate over who should pay for security, while also referencing negative criticism of Meghan's Netflix show. It includes a quote from the producer defending Meghan but overall highlights the political rejection of funding and implies she is a burden. The coverage strays from neutral by blending factual reporting with commentary that casts Meghan in a controversial light and omits positive public reactions.