'A load of hot air': Theo James reacts to reports of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex joining The Gentlemen

Theo James has insisted speculation Meghan, Duchess of Sussex was joining The Gentlemen was "a lot of hot air".
The former Suits actress and her husband Prince Harry have moved back to the UK from California with their children amid claims she was planning to resume her acting career and had been offered a role in the Netflix drama's third season, but ahead of the premiere of the second series, its lead star has spoken out to address the reports.
Asked about the possibility of a royal appearance in the show, Theo - who plays Eddie, the 13th Duke of Halstead, in The Gentlemen - joked to Town and Country magazine: “Yes, Fergie is joining. She’ll be playing my love interest."
He then added: "No, 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.
“But in terms of story, we have the overarching ambition of where we’re going to go. We’re going to expand the world, go to different countries. But in terms of the minutiae, I mean, it’s still very much up in the air.”
Meanwhile, writer and executive producer Matthew Read refused to directly address the speculation.
He told BBC News: "[We look forward to] bringing up more energy and surprises in series two and further on in the series.
"I just don't think it's right to speculate at this stage, so I wouldn't like to say yes or no."
It was previously revealed by The Hollywood Reporter that Meghan was in "advanced" discussions for a role in the show, although other reports stressed no contract is in place and no character has been confirmed.
The Sun has reported Meghan could play a “temptress” on the show, although that description has not been confirmed by Netflix.
A source said: “The gossip in TV circles is that Meghan could play the ultimate temptress, who puts the cat among the pigeons by seducing an aristocrat.
“The Gentlemen would be perfect for her. It’s a big budget, glossy production and quintessentially British. And because it is on Netflix that gives it a huge global audience.
“In fact, it is one of the streaming giant’s biggest hits of recent years.
“It would see her star opposite Theo James, who plays Eddie Horniman, the 13th Duke of Halstead, and is a frontrunner to be the new James Bond.
“Everything about the project screams quality, but it is one with a bit of an edge too.”
Meghan’s relationship with Netflix also extends beyond acting.
Through her and Harry’s Archewell Productions company, she and the Duke have worked with the streamer on projects including Harry and Meghan, Polo and With Love, Meghan, and their partnership was renewed in 2025 under a multi-year first-look agreement.