Theo James Breaks Silence on Meghan Markle 'The Gentlemen' Season 3 Casting Rumours With Fergie Joke

Theo James has addressed the speculation surrounding Meghan Markle's reported involvement in The Gentlemen Season 3, appearing to dismiss the casting buzz while joking that Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, would instead play his love interest.

The comments came as the second season of Netflix's crime drama premiered, with James returning as Eddie Horniman, the Duke of Halstead.

Rumours surrounding Markle intensified last month after reports claimed she was being considered for a role in the show's third season, although her involvement has never been officially confirmed.

James Jokes About Fergie but Shuts Down Markle Rumours

Asked by Town & Country about the possibility of Markle appearing in The Gentlemen, James responded with a joke by making a reference to the former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson. 'Yes, Fergie is joining. She'll be playing my love interest,' he replied.

He then appeared to downplay the reports surrounding Markle, describing them as 'mainly a lot of hot air'. James said the focus was currently on the second season, while plans for a potential third season remained in development, including the possibility of expanding the story into different countries.

The actor's comments came shortly after Netflix confirmed a third season of The Gentlemen. However, there has been no confirmation that Markle is attached to the project.

No Confirmation and No Contract for Markle Role

The speculation began after reports claimed Markle was in talks to join Guy Ritchie's Netflix series for its third season. Initial reports suggested she was being considered for a role, but details about the character were never publicly disclosed and no contract was confirmed.

Later reports, citing unnamed sources, suggested the potential casting had been dropped, though this has not been confirmed. Reuters reported that the proposal had been abandoned, although the conflicting accounts have left Markle's possible involvement unclear.

Netflix has also avoided directly confirming Markle's casting. Earlier, Netflix UK scripted chief Manda Levin responded to questions about the speculation with the cryptic remark, 'All bets are off', further fuelling interest in whether the Duchess could appear in the series.

What Meghan Markle Has Acted in and What's Next

Markle is best known for playing Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits, appearing in the series from 2011 until 2018.

Before that, she had roles in television shows including Fringe, CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, 90210 and Castle, as well as film appearances in Remember Me and Horrible Bosses.

Her potential return to scripted acting has attracted renewed attention as she and Prince Harry spend an extended period in the UK. Markle has also been linked to the upcoming Amazon MGM comedy Close Personal Friends, in which she is expected to make a cameo appearance as herself.

Royal commentator Bronte McCoy has suggested that The Gentlemen may be only one possibility, claiming there are 'a number of offers that they are seriously considering'.

For now, James' comments provide no confirmation of Markle joining The Gentlemen. With Season 3 in development and reports about the Duchess's acting comeback continuing, her next scripted role remains uncertain.