“Producers stepped in several times.”
Was it a recipe for television magic or a disaster in the making? The Duchess of Sussex’s long-awaited MasterChef Australia episode finally airs Sunday, July 26. But while things look picture-perfect on-screen, sources claim tensions were simmering beneath the surface.
According to New Idea’s insiders, the dynamics on set didn’t always match what viewers will see in the final edit. Several of the contestants frequently gravitated towards judge Poh Ling Yeow for reassurance and feedback, rather than focusing solely on Meghan as the headline guest, claims one show spy.
“It was a bit awkward at times. You could tell Meghan was wondering what was going on,” the source insists. A second insider adds that there was an early expectation that Meghan would be the central focus of the day, but the reality on set was more “uneven”.
“Producers reportedly stepped in several times to keep filming on track,” says the source. “After all, Meghan is one of the biggest international guests the show has ever secured, so it was important she be a key part of the episode.”
But perhaps the most uncomfortable moment allegedly came after the cameras stopped rolling, when promotional material touting Meghan’s upcoming appearance saw Poh introducing her as “royalty”
News.com.au claimed Meghan and her team were “frustrated” at the duchess being referred to by the term, having specifically told everyone at MasterChef not to use it.
Meghan and her team were reportedly outside the studio when the introduction happened, so they didn’t know what had been said until the adverts aired. Naturally, Poh was upset at accidentally going against Meghan’s wishes.
“It wasn’t about Meghan personally,” says our source. “Poh felt she had been unintentionally drawn into a royal protocol issue she never intended to be part of.”
According to a separate source, Poh, 52, apparently wanted to personally reach out to Meghan, 44, to apologise.
“She was willing to reach out immediately,” the insider says. “But she was advised to leave it for production to handle.”
Meghan’s interactions with Poh and her fellow judges, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli, were apparently carefully choreographed. Andy Allen was not present due to the impending birth of his son, Jude.
“Production was keen to make sure all the key moments landed, so there was a bit of guidance behind the scenes to keep things flowing,” says the source.
However, another source adds: “There was no tension whatsoever, but it did feel like everyone was working hard to create those picture-perfect TV moments.
“That’s just the nature of a big production when you’ve got such a high-profile guest.”
A different insider shared a lighter observation about Poh’s personality on set.
“Poh is full of energy – she’s always joking and lifting the mood. She tried to bring that same spark with Meghan, cracking a few playful lines, but not all of it landed as intended.
“Some of those moments didn’t quite translate on camera, so they ended up on the cutting-room floor. It’s just her way of keeping things light, even when the pressure is on.”
Despite the awkward moments and behind-the-scenes pressure, sources insist there was no major conflict, describing the day as a typical high-stakes television production.
“It wasn’t major drama, just a few awkward moments during filming that were adjusted in the final edit,” the insider says. “Meghan was a great guest, and we feel very lucky she agreed to appear on the show.”
