DESPITE much speculation Meghan Markle would join the star-studded cast of The Gentleman, the Duchess of Sussex is now officially out of the running for the acting gig.
The Sun understands that behind the scenes, director had a blunt three-word response when the idea of joining the show was put to him – and according to our insider, it could not have been clearer.
A show insider claimed that when the Duchess of Sussex’s name came up, Guy’s first reaction was a simple: “Really?”
But when he was asked whether there was any realistic prospect of her getting a part, our source claimed his answer was far more decisive.
“Not a chance.”
Meghan, 45, is now firmly out of contention for the third series after preliminary discussions about a possible role failed to progress, , with a TV insider confirming she will not be joining the cast.
With and Maya Jama set for a bigger role, the third series is moving to new heights.
A source told The Sun: “The Gentlemen is going from strength to strength and everyone is desperate to make it work. Robert is an industry icon and Theo [James] himself made it clear he wanted him part of the cast.
“Meghan though is now out of contention. There was a meeting but it’s been decided she won’t be part of the cast.”
The abrupt verdict is a stark end to what had become one of the most talked-about TV rumours of the season.
The news comes weeks after the of the show’s second series, where cast members and crew were quizzed about the Duchess’s reported interest in the production.
At the time, the idea of Meghan appearing alongside the likes of Theo, and Vinnie had caused a stir, with the former Suits actress stepping into Guy’s world of aristocratic drug dealers and dodgy dealings proving irresistible gossip.
But while the reports generated plenty of headlines, the talks never developed into a confirmed deal.
Indeed, there was no finalised contract, and neither nor Meghan’s team formally signed off on the project.
Those involved with the show were never quite as convinced as the rumours suggested.
Speaking at the second series premiere, dismissed the speculation, saying: “I think it’s spurious rumours.”
He joked that Meghan would fit into the show’s aristocratic world because she was “actually from part of the Royal Family“.
But he quickly poured cold water on the idea, adding: “No, I think the practicalities of that are impossible.”
When pressed further, he said: “I think that was mainly a lot of hot air.
“At the moment, we’re just trying to get as many eyes on season two, and then season three will happen soon.”
also laughed off the talk, joking that the production already had plenty of glamorous women in the cast.
But he was far more direct.
“I think that’s dead and buried,” he said.
“We can honestly say now that it ain’t happening, and you’d be a bit of a kn*b to think the idea was still alive.”
He also made a pointed remark about the Duchess appearing in one of the show’s more risqué scenes.
“Plus it would be weird to see her cast in a sex scene, horrifically bad, given, ya know.”
Meghan has not appeared in a scripted acting role since leaving Suits in 2017, when her relationship with Prince Harry transformed her life and ultimately led to the couple stepping back from their roles as senior working royals.
They moved to California, where they set up a new life with their children and a string of media and commercial projects.
Their return to Britain has added another layer to the speculation about her future, with that the Sussexes were making a shock move back to the UK after six years away.
Meghan spent seven seasons playing Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits before walking away from Hollywood.
In 2022, she told Variety: “I’m done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not.”
Since then, she has focused on projects including her lifestyle brand and the couple’s work with Netflix.
With The Gentlemen filmed largely at the Badminton estate in Gloucestershire, the prospect of Meghan joining the production quickly became a talking point among fans and royal watchers alike.
Meanwhile, our newspaper confirmed that is returning for the third series.
The presenter, who plays fixer Aisha, is after making her debut in series two, with her character taking a greater part in the increasingly chaotic world of the Horniman family.
The first series, released in 2024, was a major success for Netflix, with Ray Winstone, Joely Richardson, Kaya Scodelario and Vinnie among the cast.
It has been streamed more than 75 million times, while in its first three weeks of release.
With Carlyle now added to the mix and Maya set for a bigger role, the third series looks set to have plenty of star power without the Duchess.
As for Meghan, a return to scripted acting will have to wait.
Guy Richie’s representatives have been approached for comment.
