MasterChef Australia fans were stunned in April when Meghan Markle made an unexpected appearance on the hit cooking reality show.
Now, the program’s executive producer, Marty Benson, has explained how the Duchess of Sussex joined the franchise, revealing that a bold email helped persuade the high-profile royal to participate.
Speaking to The Age, Benson said he decided to take a chance on Meghan while she was facing intense criticism over her cancelled Netflix series, With Love, Meghan.
“Everyone was putting her down, the whole world was putting her down, and I was the guy that went, ‘Wait a minute, I think she would be a great guest on our show,’” he told the publication at the recent TV Week Logie Awards.
Benson described the message as a “press send and pray” email. The gamble ultimately paid off, with Meghan’s appearance attracting considerable attention to the cooking franchise.
“I felt for her because everyone was so hard on her show [With Love, Meghan], and I actually blame the producers of her show… that’s the reason why her show wasn’t very good, not her,” he added.
MasterChef Australia executive producer Marty Benson has revealed how the Duchess of Sussex joined the franchise, saying an audacious email helped convince her to take part
Speaking to The Age, Benson said he was prepared to take a chance on Meghan while she faced intense public criticism over her cancelled Netflix series, With Love, Meghan
Meghan is now preparing to return to Australia next year to film Junior MasterChef Australia. Sources claim she will take on a key hosting role alongside MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow.
The duchess is expected to spend several weeks filming in Melbourne and could be joined by Prince Harry and their two children.
Her return to Australian screens, however, comes as debate intensifies over who should cover the cost of her security during the visit.
Both major political parties in Victoria have ruled out using taxpayers’ money to fund personal protection for the duchess during her upcoming stay.
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The Victorian Labor government has confirmed it will not pay the bill if re-elected in November, while Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has made a similarly firm commitment.
“Not a single cent of Victorian taxpayer money should be spent on this,” Ms Wilson told the Herald Sun.
“And under a Liberal and Nationals government I lead, it wouldn’t be.”
The controversy has renewed questions from the Sussexes’ visit earlier this year, when concerns were raised about whether Victoria Police resources might be used to protect the couple.
“I felt for her because everyone was so hard on her show [With Love, Meghan], and I actually blame the producers of her show… that’s the reason why her show wasn’t very good, not her.” (Pictured: Meghan in her Netflix series With Love, Meghan)
Meghan is preparing to return Down Under next year to film Junior MasterChef Australia, where she is expected to take on a key hosting role alongside MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow (left)
Meghan’s return to Australian television comes amid a political dispute over who should pay for her security during the visit. (Pictured: Meghan and Prince Harry visiting Bondi Beach in April)
The couple’s April trip featured several public appearances that drew large crowds and sparked discussion about the difference between taxpayer-funded personal security and police resources needed to protect public safety.
Meanwhile, Meghan said this week that she ‘can’t wait’ to return to the MasterChef franchise.
‘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,’ she said in a statement.
‘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.’
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