BREAKING: Meghan Markle proves critics wrong as MasterChef ratings soar
Meghan Markle’s MasterChef appearance pulled in a massive audience for the Channel 10 program, despite viewers threatening to boycott the episode.
A whopping 1,160,000 people tuned in on Sunday night to see the Duchess of Sussex serve as a guest judge on the show, according to TV Tonight.
Meghan gave contestants a variety of ingredients she’d love them to highlight in their cooking – including strawberries, celeriac and carrots.
Viewers had previously threatened to boycott the episode when Meghan’s appearance on the show was teased in April.
But it seems that Aussies couldn’t help themselves.
In fact, it was the show’s highest rating Sunday audience since June 14, when 1,175,000 people tuned in to watch Adriano Zumbo kick off Sweet Week.
The only other higher-rated Sunday episode was the show’s premiere, where 1,301,000 people tuned in.
Meghan looked genuinely excited to be on the show, talking about how much she’d love to cook in the pantry and being excited by the cook’s stories.
The episode also proved to be incredible public relations for Meghan, with many Australians revealing they loved seeing her on the show.
There was one particularly sweet moment when Meghan was asked to give contestants the 30-minute warning.
Typically, the judges would shout this across the kitchen. But, Meghan said she didn’t like to yell, so she rushed around the kitchen to give the four remaining cooks a personalised warning.
It was a heartwarming moment, and just one of many on the show.
It seems Meghan quickly won over audiences online.
“What a lovely, elegant, down-to-earth lady. I thoroughly enjoyed tonight. It was made even better by the fact that they all cooked wonderful dishes. A night to remember,” said one viewer.
“It was an awesome show, and Meghan was just a lovely, down-to-earth lady. The contestants were awestruck, and they all cooked beautifully. Well done, MC. Great choice of judges, this year it has been right up there with one of the best series, you don’t need all the travelling around, just good cooks,” added another.
“Good episode. MM was so much more refreshing than when Katie Perry was a guest,” added another.
“I think she was lovely, humble and very fun. I know in Australia we sometimes get feelings about the Monarchy, but she is a mother and a home cook. Let’s stop the negative things and appreciate her as a person. Trying food and hopefully expanding the MasterChef universe,” said one.
“I am beginning to like her now. I thought she was only beauty. She’s brainy too,” added another.
“I’m not a fan of MM, but I am finding her quite watchable, and the contestants are clearly bowled over by her. I hope all the viewers who said they weren’t going to watch (but secretly really are watching) will be able to admit she’s not so bad. Credit where credit’s due,” wrote someone else.
