Inside the bold email that landed Meghan Markle on MasterChef Australia - as politicians unite to reject funding for the Duchess of Sussex's security
By MONIQUE FRIEDLANDER, ASSISTANT SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA
Published: | Updated:
MasterChef Australia surprised fans in April when none other than Meghan Markle made a shock appearance on the cooking reality show.
And MasterChef's executive producer Marty Benson has now revealed exactly how the Duchess of Sussex ended up on the franchise, admitting it was an audacious email that helped convince the high-profile royal to take part.
Speaking to The Age, Benson explained that he was willing to take a chance on Meghan at a time when she was facing intense public criticism for her cancelled Netflix show 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's gamble, which he described as a 'press send and pray' email, paid off, with Meghan's appearance generating significant attention for 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's EP Marty Benson has revealed exactly how the Duchess of Sussex ended up on the franchise, admitting it was an audacious email that helped convince her
Speaking to The Age, Benson explained that he was willing to take a chance on Meghan at a time when she was facing intense public criticism for her cancelled Netflix show With Love, Meghan
Now, Meghan is preparing to return Down Under to film Junior MasterChef Australia next year, with sources claiming she will play a key hosting role alongside MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow.
The duchess is expected to spend weeks in Melbourne filming the series and may be joined by Prince Harry and their two children.
However, Meghan's return to Australian screens comes amid debate over who should pay for 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 visit.
The Victorian Labor government has confirmed it will not foot the bill if it is re-elected in November, while Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has issued an equally blunt pledge.
'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 dispute has revived questions raised during the Sussexes' visit earlier this year, when concerns emerged about the potential use of Victoria Police resources 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 show With Love, Meghan)
Meghan is preparing to return Down Under to film Junior MasterChef Australia next year, playing a key hosting role alongside MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow (left)
However, Meghan's return to Australian screens comes amid a political row 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 included a series of public appearances that attracted crowds and prompted discussion about the distinction between taxpayer-funded personal security and police resources required to maintain 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.'
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