Back in August it was reported that Meghan Markle was in talks to star in Guy Ritchie's hit Netflix show, the Gentlemen.
Meghan - former Suits star - was reported to have been in advanced discussion to join the cast. But just 24 hours later, a deal seemed to be off the table.
Now a friend of the Duchess has claimed that she was "used" to help promote the show.
Season two of The Gentlemen, which stars Theo James as a duke who becomes a ruthless crime boss, premiered earlier this month.
"Some people in her camp feel she was used to help promote season two, because they knew it wasn’t as good as the first season and had already commissioned a third," a friend told The Telegraph.
"It's the oldest marketing trick in the book: get a big name to read a script, then leak that you're 'in conversation' with them when, in reality, nothing is particularly far along.
© Ian Watson/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images"The whole thing left a bit of a sour taste in the Sussex camp's mouth. Needless to say, Netflix got what it wanted: huge viewing figures for season two and a lot of publicity."
It comes after it was confirmed that Meghan is looking to return to her acting career following the Sussexes's surprise move back to the UK.
Last week, Harry and Meghan made their first joint appearance since coming back to Britain - but it was said that Meghan does not intend to make regular public appearances going forward.
Instead her focus is said to be on her family, her As Ever brand, and her acting career.
Meghan 'cautiously' reading scripts for acting comeback
Meghan is reported to be reading scripts for both TV and films, but is "very cautious" in case news of her involvement is leaked to the press.
© PA Images via Getty Images"They're being very cautious about which scripts they agree to read at the moment," a source told the publication.
"Everyone knows that whatever Meghan's first film or show turns out to be, it's going to attract huge interest. The prospect of seeing her return to acting will drive big audiences, and ultimately, someone – whether it's Netflix, Amazon or another studio – is going to make a lot of money from it."
Of course, Meghan and Harry have history with Netflix. The Duke and Duchess signed a contract with the streaming giant in 2020 to produce TV and films for the streaming platform, believed to be worth about $100m (£75m).
Harry and Meghan's complex relationship with Netflix
Meghan's lifestyle and cookery show - With Love, Meghan - ran for two series and a Christmas special but did not perform well with audiences.
After the contract ended in the summer of 2025, it was replaced by a "first look deal" which gives Netflix first dibs on any new proposed shows from the couple.
© COURTESY OF NETFLIXThen, in March this year, it was announced that Netflix had also ended its deal with Meghan's lifestyle brand.
As Ever was launched by Meghan in 2025 and was supported financially by the streaming service in a separate deal to that of her TV content.
A spokesperson for As Ever said it was grateful for the partnership with Netflix during the brand's first year, adding: "We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As ever is now ready to stand on its own."
© GettyNetflix said in a statement: "Meghan's passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life.
"As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently."
How did the stars of The Gentlemen react to Meghan rumours?
The stars of the hit show largely laughed off reports that the Duchess was joining the cast.
Leading man Theo James dismissed the speculation as 'mainly a lot of hot air'and "spurious," calling the practicalities of her joining "impossible".
© Getty ImagesHe also jokingly deflected the question in an interview with Town & Country, quipping, "Yes, Fergie is joining. She'll be playing my love interest," referring to Sarah Ferguson.
Vinnie Jones, who plays groundskeeper Geoff Seacombe, reportedly branded the idea of Meghan joining the show as "horrifically bad". He cheekily pushed back against the need for her star power by adding, "We've got a lot of pretty women in this series, so I'm not sure there's room for any more."
Guy Ritchie, series creator and director, reportedly reacted with a blunt, 'Really?' when first told about the casting rumours. He is then said to have completely ruled out the chance of Meghan appearing in the future, stating, "Not a chance."
