Meghan Markle on “MasterChef Australia” drew criticism from British chef Jameson Stocks ahead of her guest-judge episode’s scheduled July 26 broadcast on Network 10.
Stocks told Express UK that Meghan’s appearance showed the cooking competition had “completely sold out.” He argued that producers selected her for publicity rather than culinary expertise.
The chef called the booking a “disgrace” and questioned Meghan’s knowledge of food. However, the interview provided no evidence about the producers’ selection process.
Endemol Shine Australia described Meghan as a passionate home cook rather than a professional chef when announcing her appearance.
In the episode, the Duchess of Sussex challenges contestants to prepare a dish using one of her preferred seasonal ingredients. The selection includes Brussels sprouts, celeriac, Australian honey, macadamia nuts, lemons and strawberries.
The contestants must create a dish “fit for a Duchess” while connecting their chosen ingredient to a personal story.
Meghan joined regular judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli during the recorded challenge. She said her love of food and Australia made the invitation an “easy yes.”
Read: Meghan Markle’s ‘With Love, Meghan’ Earns Emmy Nomination
Stocks previously criticised Meghan’s Netflix lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan,” and questioned her cooking credentials. A production source later disputed his claim that he had been invited to work on the programme.
Network 10 scheduled the “MasterChef Australia” episode for 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 26.
