Meghan Markle makes shock return to acting job 8 years after quitting Suits

Meghan Markle is set to making a return to the big screen as an actress with an unexpected new job.

The Duchess of Sussex bid farewell to life on set eight years ago after meeting her future husband, Prince Harry.

She starred as Rachel Zane in the hit legal drama Suits for seven seasons before stepping away from acting once her engagement to the Duke of Sussex was announced in November 2017.

It was reported a few days before the engagement that Meghan’s contract - along with the ones signed by her co-stars - were all fulfilled by the end of the seventh season, and new ones would need to be negotiated for the eighth season. It gave Meghan a pathway to bow out of the show, and acting altogether, after falling in love with Prince Harry.

After casting doubt on a return to acting in more recent years, the Duchess of Sussex has apparently changed her mind.

She is said to be joining the cast of a new film starring Jack Quaid, Lily Collins, and Brie Larsen.

Meghan Markle played Rachel Zane in Suits (USA Network)

Titled Close Personal Friends, the film follows two couples where one is famous and the other is not. Meghan will reportedly portray herself.

Speculation about the rumoured new film role arose after Meghan was spotted on Wednesday (5 November) on set in Pasadena, LA, in the Amazon MGM Studios production.

“This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves,” a source told the Sun. They also spilled that she has been 'swamped with offers but this one felt right'.

“It is Meghan’s way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set,” the insider continued.

“Everyone involved is super-excited, and have been sworn to secrecy about her involvement.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from Royal duties in 2020 (Max Mumby/Indigo / Contributor / via Getty Images)

So, how does Prince Harry feel about his wife’s return to acting? “Prince Harry is, of course, really supportive and quite simply wants Meghan to do whatever brings her joy,” the source shared.

Meghan was asked in 2022 whether she’d consider acting again. When speaking to Variety for their Power of Women issue, the mum-of-two said: “I’m done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not.”

In the years that have since passed, Meghan has returned to the screen but not as an actress. She hosted her very own lifestyle series on Netflix called With Love, Meghan and it featured a host of celebrity guests.

Tyla has approached representatives for Meghan Markle for comment.