CARDIFF TEEN IS A MEGHAN DOPPELGANGER
ONE is a world-famous actress who is being billed as a future member of the Royal Family. The other is a teenage former student from Cardiff.
But Emma Kaler and Meghan Markle have at least one significant thing in common – their looks.
The 19-year-old has reached the final of a TV competition to find a lookalike for the 36-year-old Suits star, who is dating Prince Harry.
Emma has made it to the final three of the “Have You Got That Markle Sparkle?” competition on daytime ITV show Lorraine.
The judging panel – host Lorraine Kelly, royal correspondent Camilla Tominey and Prince Harry lookalike Henry Morley – have been on the hunt for a lookalike of the next potential princess.
The entrants have been put through their paces on “royal” tasks in London, such as selfietaking, the art of waving and photoshoots.
And the winner, voted for by the public, will receive a 12-month contract with lookalike agency Susan Scott.
But for Emma, from Cardiff, it was a complete surprise being nominated for the competition by her boyfriend’s grandmother in the first place.
The former Whitchurch High School student, who has just completed her A-levels, said: “My boyfriend’s grandma always thought I looked like Meghan but I never considered it myself.”
After making the top seven and a day in London, Emma was surprised by Lorraine who told her she had made the top three.
And if Emma won she said she would love to follow in Meghan’s footsteps and become an actress too – especially as she’s hoping to study either musical theatre or drama at university after a year off from education.
Emma said: “I think she’s the perfect example of a successful woman and a role model, especially for young people and with me wanting to do drama, she’s a great example.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity I’m sure and it’s perfect because I’m taking a gap year to learn more about the entertainment industry so this is right up my street.”
But Emma also hopes to walk in Meghan’s footsteps and do more charity work and work with women’s rights organisations.
Meghan, whose real name is Rachel Meghan Markle, became a World Vision Global Ambassador in 2016 after travelling to Rwanda to help install a clean water pipe.
She’s also given a speech on International Women’s Day about gender equality at the United Nations that received a standing ovation. “I’m very passionate about activism myself. I love how she’s used her platform,” Emma said. “She’s inspiring.” And if she won? “It would be so unexpected,” she said. “It would be an honour and I’d use that platform to do charity work. “It’s given me so much confidence.” Emma joins 25-yearold show jumper Ria Ginley and 20-yearold trainee hairdresser Ashleigh Ridding in the final. To vote call 033012362 and add 01 to vote for Ashleigh, 02 for Emma, and 03 and for Ria. Calls are charged at standard geographical rate from BT landlines. Mobiles and other networks may charge more. Lines close at 3pm tomorrow and votes made after this time will not be counted but may still be charged.