Actor Ray Winstone has laughed off rumors suggesting that Meghan Markle could be joining the cast of Guy Ritchie's Netflix series, "The Gentlemen." Winstone, who portrays crime boss Bobby Glass in the show, appeared visibly surprised when the Duchess of Sussex's name was brought up during an appearance on The Romesh Ranganathan Show.
"What? Who? I've never met her," Winstone responded when asked about Meghan Markle's potential involvement. The 69-year-old actor expressed disbelief at the suggestion, stating, "Oh shut up! I don't think so. Who spreads these rumours, we've got to find them."
These comments emerge amid ongoing speculation about Markle's potential return to acting. Reports have linked the Duchess, who relocated to the UK with Prince Harry, to a role in the third season of Ritchie's series. "The Gentlemen" has officially been renewed for a third season, with creator Guy Ritchie indicating that further installments felt inevitable due to the show's expanding narrative.
However, other cast members have also expressed skepticism. At the season two premiere in London, actor Vinnie Jones dismissed the rumors as "hot air," adding that the show already has "a lot of pretty women" and he was "not sure there's room for any more."
Theo James, who stars as Eddie Horniman, jokingly suggested that Prince Harry would be playing one of his love interests, referencing the speculation about Markle. He later called the rumors "spurious" and noted the practical impossibility of her casting, despite acknowledging that she "fit in well because she's actually from the Royal Family."
Hugh Bonneville, who joined the second season as Lord Hawthorne, described the rumors as "a genius bit of marketing." Maya Jama, who makes her scripted acting debut in the second season, stated she would be "the last person to know" about any casting decisions.
Guy Ritchie himself declined to comment on reports of preliminary discussions with Markle during the show's premiere. The Duchess previously starred as Rachel Zane in the legal drama "Suits" before stepping away from acting.
Royal author Tina Brown claimed that an acting offer was rescinded shortly after the Sussexes returned to the UK due to an intense backlash. Public relations expert Mark Borkowski suggested that the timing of the rumors was suspicious and appeared designed to generate publicity without a formal deal, noting the lack of official comment from the production.
Despite these dismissals, one anonymous source claimed that talks regarding Markle's potential appearance are still ongoing, suggesting it was a factor in her move back to the UK. Another source indicated that there were "deafening rumors" about the former "Suits" actress seeking a significant stage role in London's West End as part of a broader return to acting.
The latest season of "The Gentlemen" premiered on Netflix on September 3. The series stars Theo James, Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass, and Ray Winstone as her father, Bobby Glass. The new season follows Eddie and Susie as they expand their criminal enterprise, with Bobby's erratic behavior posing a threat to their operation.