Meghan Markle on Dancing With the Stars? Bruno Tonioli Thinks She’d Be “Brilliant” for DWTS

Longtime ‘Dancing With the Stars’ judge Bruno Tonioli envisions a royal addition to the ballroom, suggesting Meghan Markle as a dream contestant as the beloved dance competition series approaches its milestone 15th anniversary.

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, 42, could potentially make a highly anticipated return to the small screen, a move that would undoubtedly send shockwaves through both the entertainment world and royal circles. This exciting prospect comes directly from the mouth of none other than Dancing With the Stars’s charismatic and long-serving judge, Bruno Tonioli. As the iconic dance competition readies itself for its remarkable 15th anniversary, Bruno shared his thoughts on the show’s enduring legacy, its future trajectory, and the logistics of navigating live broadcasts amidst the unique challenges of the coronavirus pandemic during a candid interview with Extra.

During his conversation, Bruno was prompted to reveal his ultimate dream contestant – the one celebrity he believes would bring an unparalleled level of excitement and appeal to the ballroom. When Meghan Markle’s name was put forward, a suggestion that immediately piqued the Italian ballroom expert’s interest, his response was unequivocal and brimming with enthusiasm. Meghan, who captivated audiences globally with her role on USA Network’s hit legal drama Suits before embarking on her transformative journey into the British Royal Family through her marriage to Prince Harry, was deemed an ideal candidate by Tonioli. “She’d be great!” Bruno exclaimed, highlighting the immense potential he saw in her participation. He further elaborated on the benefits such an appearance could offer her public image, noting, “It’d make her look accessible and funny — it’d be brilliant.” Directly addressing the Duchess, he made a heartfelt plea: “Meghan, if you’re watching this, please! We’d love you to do it.” This invitation underscores the widespread appeal and genuine desire within the DWTS camp to see a figure of Meghan’s stature grace their stage.

While the prospect of Meghan Markle taking to the dance floor is undeniably thrilling, the immediate future of DWTS itself faced unprecedented hurdles. At the time of Bruno’s interview, production on the show’s 29th season had yet to commence, a delay largely attributed to the global health crisis. Despite the uncertainties, Bruno remained remarkably optimistic, expressing strong hope that the production team would devise innovative solutions to ensure the continuation of live shows. The possibility of proceeding without a live studio audience was a significant point of discussion, a concept that required a complete reimagining of the show’s dynamic. “If you can recreate the sense of excitement, I’m sure it’s possible,” he confidently stated, reflecting the resilience and adaptability inherent in live television production. This commitment to delivering entertainment, even under challenging circumstances, highlights the dedication of the entire DWTS crew and their unwavering focus on their loyal viewership.

The suggestion of Meghan Markle joining a high-profile reality competition show comes at a pivotal time in her life. She and Prince Harry had recently marked a significant personal milestone: their second wedding anniversary, a celebration that followed their highly publicized move to Los Angeles. This relocation represented a new chapter for the couple, stepping away from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family to pursue greater privacy and financial independence in North America. Before their May 19th celebration, HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY gained insights into the couple’s dynamic, with a source revealing, “Harry is very romantic,” and emphasizing his penchant for thoughtful gestures: “he likes to give Meghan jewelry to mark special occasions.” Given this insight, our source speculated that Meghan likely received “something thoughtful and tasteful from him” to commemorate their anniversary. The humorous thought then arose: perhaps amongst these romantic gifts, there might have been some dance lessons? This playful speculation further fuels the imagination regarding Meghan’s potential aptitude for the ballroom, suggesting a fun, unexpected dimension to her new life in California.

The move to Los Angeles positioned Meghan and Harry at the heart of the global entertainment industry, a landscape far more familiar to Meghan from her pre-royal career. This transition has opened doors to various new opportunities, ranging from philanthropic endeavors to media projects, making the idea of her participating in a show like Dancing With the Stars less improbable than it might have seemed during her time as a working royal. Such an appearance would align with their stated desire to forge their own path, allowing Meghan to reconnect with her performance roots while engaging with a vast American audience in a fresh and engaging way.

Dancing With the Stars has a long-standing tradition of inviting celebrities from diverse backgrounds, including former athletes, politicians, actors, and public figures, offering them a unique platform to showcase a different side of their personality. The show thrives on these transformations, and Meghan Markle, with her inherent grace, public speaking experience, and global recognition, would undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about contestants in the show’s history. Her participation would not only provide a ratings boost but also offer viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the lighter, more personal side of a figure who has often been the subject of intense scrutiny.

Bruno Tonioli’s impassioned plea for Meghan to join the cast is a testament to her undeniable star power. As a judge known for his flamboyant critiques and deep understanding of performance, his endorsement speaks volumes. He sees beyond mere dance technique, recognizing the narrative potential and the sheer spectacle that Meghan’s involvement would bring. It’s about accessibility, about breaking down the perceived barriers of celebrity, and showing the audience a relatable, human side. For Meghan, it could be an opportunity to directly connect with the public in a format that celebrates joy, effort, and personal growth, attributes that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.

Beyond the entertainment value, Meghan’s participation could carry broader cultural significance. It could symbolize her full embrace of her Californian life, a bold step into the spotlight on her own terms, separate from the strictures of royal protocol. It would be a powerful statement of independence and a demonstration of her willingness to engage with popular culture in a way that is both authentic and impactful. The discussions surrounding her potential casting would generate immense media buzz, bringing Dancing With the Stars into conversations far beyond its usual viewership, attracting international attention and new audiences eager to witness her journey.

Moreover, the show’s format, which pairs celebrities with professional dancers, allows for a journey of personal development and skill acquisition. Meghan’s experience on Suits demonstrated her discipline and ability to commit to a role, qualities that would serve her well in the rigorous training required for DWTS. Imagine the stories, the behind-the-scenes footage, and the sheer dedication she would bring to mastering each new dance style. This kind of authentic engagement is precisely what viewers crave from reality television, and Meghan could deliver it with aplomb.

The idea of Meghan Markle competing on Dancing With the Stars isn’t just a fleeting fantasy; it’s a tantalizing prospect that could redefine an entire season of the show. Based on Bruno’s enthusiastic interview, it is abundantly clear that not only he, but likely the producers and his fellow judges, would wholeheartedly welcome her to the ballroom. Her star power, combined with the inherent drama and entertainment of the competition, would create television gold. Should she ever decide to take the plunge, there is no doubt in our minds that she would be a sensation, earning straight 10s from us – and likely from millions of viewers around the globe.