11 November 2023 , 10:00
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Meghan Markle could make a cameo on a reality TV show but she is "unlikely" to join the Real Housewives franchise as a full-time cast member, a publicist has suggested.
There's long been interest in Meghan, 42, joining the Bravo franchise and executive producer Andy Cohen, 55, is said to have teased recently that she's top of his wishlist. Asked about the franchise's future at BravoCon last week, he said: "If we can get Meghan Markle, that would be interesting."
The former actor lives in Montecito, California, with the closest series being the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and the Real Housewives of Orange County. Both are located more than an hour's drive away from Montecito though.
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Meghan Markle once said that she used to be a fan of the Real Housewives franchise (Getty Images)
She made the remark whilst talking to the franchise's executive producer Andy Cohen (Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock for AWNewYork)Meghan admitted that she used to be "such a Housewives fan" on her Archetypes podcast last year. She commented: "I stopped watching the Housewives when my life had its own level of drama that I stopped craving [other people's]."
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She teased that her interview with Andy on the podcast was her "audition for Real Housewives in Montecito". However, when Andy suggested that he would build a show around her, Meghan responded: "There will be no reality show."
In light of the renewed interest in Meghan appearing in the Real Housewives franchise, the Mirror spoke to publicist and celebrity manager Mayah Riaz about the prospect recently. Mayah shared her thoughts on the possibility with us.
Discussing the prospect, she said: "The likelihood of Meghan appearing on a Real Housewives show as a cast member [is] unlikely. While she may have expressed interest in the past, her remark about no longer craving other people's drama suggests that she may not consider it a priority."
Meghan teased that she wouldn't do reality TV when he appeared on her podcast last year (Corbis via Getty Images)Mayah said that considering the former actor's "current status and commitments," she might not be "inclined" to join a reality TV show. She however suggested that fans could see Meghan make a one-off appearance in the future.
"Meghan has high profile celebrity friends. If one of them were cast members, it's possible she may make a one-off guest appearance. But it'd likely be drama free and perhaps a scene where she is catching up with the cast member over lunch," she commented about the possibility.
Mayah said that Meghan joining a franchise like the Real Housewives could potentially have both positive and negative impacts on her "brand". She said: "On one hand, it could make her appear more relatable and approachable to a wider audience, humanising her public image.
"However, it may also be perceived as a departure from her previous roles and responsibilities, potentially diminishing her credibility and the perception of her elite status. Ultimately, it would depend on how she navigates the platform and the narrative she chooses to present."
Garcelle Beauvais is among the cast members on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (Getty Images for EBONY MEDIA GROUP)
Jenna Lyons is a cast member on the Real Housewives of New York City (Getty Images)The franchise has in recent years attracted cast members who were already high-profile, like actors Denise Richards and Garcelle Beauvais, as well as fashion designer Jenna Lyons. Mayah suggested that Meghan's "level of fame" makes it unlikely that she would follow in their footsteps.
When asked if Meghan is 'too famous' for the show, the publicist commented about her: "Meghan's level of fame and her established brand may make it less likely for her to participate in a reality TV show like Real Housewives."
"She would be likely to prioritise other opportunities that align more closely with her current interests and goals. I don't think reality TV is on the cards for her, even if her career was to face struggles in the future," she added.
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The franchise has been a platform for its cast to showcase their philanthropy and businesses, as well as their personal lives. Mayah said that it could present an opportunity for Meghan to raise awareness of various causes.
She commented: "Joining the Real Housewives could provide Meghan with a platform to showcase her activism and philanthropy, as the show often features the cast's business ventures and charitable endeavors. It could allow her to raise awareness for causes she is passionate about and expand her influence in those areas."
Further sharing her thoughts, Mayah however continued about the former actor: "Despite Real Housewives providing a platform to showcase philanthropy or business ventures, I still don't think it would be [something] she would pursue."
Andy recently teased that he'd like to get Meghan, pictured with her husband Prince Harry, signed up for the show next (Getty Images)Celebrity manager Mayah went on to state: "This is because her involvement in the show could potentially overshadow or dilute the impact of her work, as the franchise also tends to focus on personal drama and conflicts."
Asked if concern about her marriage to Prince Harry being put under the spotlight could influence Meghan's opinion on the prospect, Mayah said: "Given the intense media scrutiny surrounding Meghan and Prince Harry's marriage, it is understandable that they may not want to further expose their relationship to the spotlight through reality TV.
"However, this is not to suggest that their marriage is in trouble. It's just that [they] are protective of their relationship and maintaining privacy thus would avoid a show where personal relationships are often dissected and scrutinised."