I binge watched Meghan’s ‘eye candy’ Suits role so I could step into her heels
IT IS a very 21st century way to research a role, but Two Pints Of Lager star Kathryn Drysdale has told how she reached for the Suits DVD and trawled social media to get into the head of Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s girlfriend, whom she is playing in The Windsors. The couple have only been dating since last year, but the fictional Meghan is due to appear in the return of Channel 4’s satirical comedy. Kathryn, who at 35 is the same age as Meghan, knew that studying her character in Suits would help her work out what made her tick. Meghan plays Rachel Zane in the US drama and is described as “eye candy” for the other associates in the law firm. Kathryn, who also starred in the film St Trinian’s, said: “I did watch Suits, yes. My mum and dad are huge fans of the show – they love it.” She revealed her version of Meghan constantly brags about the hit legal drama. “She’s most proud of having been in the show,” said Kathryn. “At any opportunity she’ll tell someone she was in Suits.” Kathryn revealed she undertook other research, including trawling through social media sites. “I spent a lot of time on her Instagram account, which was very interesting, and I looked through clips of some interviews,” she said. However, the fictional Meghan is a “bit more LA” than the real-life version, Kathryn revealed. “She’s not into dressing like a royal quite yet, which is fun to play,” she explained. “She still sees herself as a humanitarian, she’s very much in her own world – there’s a sweetness to her which is nice to play with. “She has not quite adjusted to these royal palaces in a cold wet England yet.” And the all-important accent? “I’ve done American accents in voiceovers quite a bit so that was something I felt quite comfortable doing,” she said. “The real life Meghan is from LA and I think she’s toned down her Californian accent – especially now she’s dating Prince Harry. “Her clothes are muted down and her accent is soft. But The Windsors’ Meghan is still very LA. I’ve played that before and I have friends in LA, so that was easy enough to access.” With hit series such as The Crown and Victoria currently on our screens, Kathryn said there is a “huge fascination” with the Royal Family. “The Americans in particular love anything to do with stately homes and posh people. It’s very British and nostalgic,” she said. “People want a bit of light relief, a bit of glamour and nostalgia, and a bit of stability – and I think the Royal Family offers that.” The Windsors also stars Harry Enfield as Prince Charles and Haydn Gwynne as Camilla. The Windsors, Channel 4, July 5, 10pm.