Prince Harry has revealed that he was originally asked to participate in the 2014 reality television series I Wanna Marry Harry, a show that featured American women competing for a Prince Harry look-alike. The duke made the confession during an appearance on former England rugby star Joe Marler's podcast, Joe Marler Will See You Now, alongside co-host Jake Bhardwaj.
Harry's Trashy TV Confession
The conversation began with a discussion about guilty-pleasure television. When asked about his favorite "trashy" TV show, Harry initially replied, "Love Island," prompting laughter from the hosts. Co-host Jake Bhardwaj then asked if the duke had ever watched I Wanna Marry Harry, a show Joe Marler was unfamiliar with.
Harry confirmed he was aware of the show and disclosed: "Yeah, originally they asked me and I wasn't available. So." This revelation left Joe Marler stunned, exclaiming, "Wow, wow, wow."
The Show's Premise and Cancellation
I Wanna Marry Harry aired in 2014 on Fox in the United States. It featured 12 American women who were led to believe they were competing for Prince Harry's affections. In reality, the bachelor was a look-alike named Matthew Hicks from Stoke-on-Trent. The show was cancelled after four episodes in the U.S., but the complete series later aired in the UK on ITV2.
Jake Bhardwaj explained the premise: "They got like 14 American reality television stars and they all wanted to date Prince Harry. Obsessed with this guy, basically. They went through rounds every episode, 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. But they thought it was Harry."
Harry added with a laugh: "I think they call it a look-alike?"
Reactions and Other Trashy TV
Joe Marler was visibly shocked, covering his mouth as he laughed. He described the show as "one of the weirdest shows I've ever heard of," noting that he used to enjoy watching Naked Attraction. Harry, however, suggested that I Wanna Marry Harry was not the worst example of trashy television, stating: "That's not the worst that's out there. That's just one example."
The podcast episode provided a rare glimpse into Prince Harry's views on reality TV and his willingness to laugh at unusual television concepts from the past.
