Prince Harry has left podcast hosts stunned after revealing he was originally approached to star in the bizarre 2014 reality series I Wanna Marry Harry. The Duke of Sussex made the confession during an appearance on Joe Marler Will See You Now, where he discussed guilty-pleasure television with former England rugby star Joe Marler and co-host Jake Bhardwaj.
The Confession
When asked about his favourite "trashy" TV show, Harry initially named Love Island, prompting laughter from the hosts. But the conversation took an unexpected turn when Bhardwaj asked if Harry had ever watched I Wanna Marry Harry. The prince confirmed he was aware of the show and revealed: "Yeah, originally they asked me and I wasn't available. So."
Marler, who was unfamiliar with the programme, reacted with disbelief, repeatedly exclaiming "Wow, wow, wow." Bhardwaj explained the premise: "There is a crazy trashy TV phenomena, I Wanna Marry Harry, from 2014. They got like 14 American reality television stars and they all wanted to date Prince Harry."
The Show's Premise
I Wanna Marry Harry aired on Fox in 2014, featuring 12 American women who were led to believe they were competing for the affections of Prince Harry. In reality, the bachelor was a look-alike named Matthew Hicks from Stoke-on-Trent. The show was pulled from American airwaves after four episodes, with the remaining four released online. The complete series later aired in the UK on ITV2 in summer 2014.
Bhardwaj detailed the format: "They went through rounds every episode and got rid of one of the women, then the final woman was like 'I win a date with you' and they just reveal it's some bloke from Stoke, some ginger bloke. That's it. But they thought it was Harry." Harry interjected with a laugh, "I think they call it a look-alike?"
Hosts' Reactions
Marler erupted into laughter, covering his mouth, while Harry added that the show was "not the worst that's out there" in terms of trashy TV. Marler confessed: "I would go as far to say, it's one of the weirdest shows I've ever heard of. And I used to love watching Naked Attraction."
The Duke's candid revelation has sparked renewed interest in the short-lived series, which originally aired over a decade ago. According to the podcast hosts, the show remains a peculiar footnote in reality TV history, with its unusual concept and the royal's near-involvement adding an extra layer of intrigue.
