MasterChef Australia Judge Speaks Out About Meghan Markle as Reports of On Set Tension Resurface

MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow has praised Meghan Markle, describing the Duchess of Sussex as having a “will of steel” while addressing reports of tension surrounding their filming experience together.

Yeow’s comments have drawn attention ahead of the pair’s anticipated reunion on Junior MasterChef Australia, where Meghan is expected to take on a role throughout the upcoming season.

The Duchess previously appeared on the cooking competition as a guest judge, but reports later suggested there had been frustration behind the scenes over the way she was introduced on television.

One particular claim centred on the use of the word “royalty” during Meghan’s on-air introduction, with reports suggesting that the Duchess’s team was unhappy about the wording.

Some accounts also claimed Yeow had been upset by the controversy. However, both sides have since pushed back against suggestions that their time together was uncomfortable.

A source close to Meghan told PEOPLE that she had a great time filming alongside the judges and described claims of tension as false.

Yeow has also spoken positively about the experience, previously telling a radio programme that she had “nothing to complain about at all” following her time with the Duchess.

In an interview with Pedestrian.TV, shared on October 28, the judge reflected on the attention surrounding the reports and said the experience had given her a different perspective on the scrutiny Meghan faces.

Honestly, that was a really crazy experience, to actually watch the fallout, Yeow said. “Seriously, the woman has a will of steel, and I just have even more admiration for her,” she added.

The presenter also suggested that rumours and speculation were an inevitable part of Meghan’s public life, explaining that some of the attention had reached her as well.

“I think rumours just follow because it’s just the nature of the beast, you know. Like, people are insatiable and horrible,” she said.

Yeow had previously described the experience of witnessing the reaction to Meghan’s appearance as eye-opening, saying it helped her understand the level of attention the Duchess receives.

The judge also revealed that Meghan’s involvement in Junior MasterChef Australia would be more extensive than some viewers might expect.

“I think a lot of people think she’s coming on for one appearance, but she’s going to be on with me the entire season,” Yeow said in a video shared on Instagram.

However, Yeow added that she had not spoken to Meghan since news of the upcoming project became public. She also joked that the announcement had effectively been revealed earlier than planned, saying the “cat got out of the bag”.

Her latest remarks have offered a more positive picture of the relationship between the two women, despite the earlier reports of disagreement. With Meghan expected to spend more time working alongside Yeow, viewers will be watching to see how their partnership develops on screen.