The much-anticipated sixth season of the hit comedy series *Only Murders in the Building* is set to showcase a dazzling array of prominent British talent and will predominantly be filmed in London. Notably, one of the more surprising near-cameos involved Queen Camilla, who almost made her mark on the show.
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In a candid conversation with Vulture, John Hoffman, the executive producer and showrunner of the series, shared insights regarding the impressive line-up for the upcoming season. He mentioned that the cast will feature notable British stars such as David Tennant, Geri Halliwell, Nicola Coughlan, Richard Ayoade, and Jamie Demetriou.
Remarkably, Hoffman revealed, “We almost got Camilla,” referring to the potential royal cameo. His astonishment at this possibility was palpable as he recounted his reaction to the news, wondering aloud, “Wait, what? Is that real?” Despite the excitement, logistical challenges ultimately led to the cancellation of the cameo, highlighting the complications associated with accommodating royal schedules.
Hoffman elaborated that the filming restrictions in the UK, which typically cap production days at ten hours, played a significant role in the decision to bypass the Queen’s potential involvement. He noted that accommodating Queen Camilla, aged 79, would only complicate an already demanding shooting schedule, prompting the team to reconsider the idea.
While the royal family may not be making an appearance this season, there remains buzz about another royal, Meghan Markle. She has reportedly been in discussions regarding a return to acting for the third season of Guy Ritchie’s *The Gentlemen*, a Netflix crime drama centred around an aristocratic family entangled in the drug trade. Previously, Markle had stated her intent to step away from acting after her role in *Suits*, yet new developments indicate she could be on the verge of a noteworthy comeback.
As the conversation around the upcoming season continues, the absence of a royal cameo is offset by the presence of numerous renowned actors. Among those joining the cast are Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whittaker, Jennifer Saunders, Jane Horrocks, Martin Freeman, Jim Broadbent, Derek Jacobi, Lesley Nicol, Amar Chadha-Patel, and Adrian Lukis. The show’s beloved core group, featuring Selena Gomez, Martin Short, Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Meryl Streep, has also been spotted on set in London throughout the summer.
The potential involvement of Queen Camilla would have added a unique layer to the series, especially considering her previous interactions with David Tennant. Not long before, she had visited the set of the Emmy-winning series *Rivals*, where she mingled with Tennant and other actors, reflecting on her affection for the show.
During her visit to the *Rivals* set, Queen Camilla mentioned how she had binge-watched the inaugural season while recovering from an illness, expressing her fondness for the show and her late friend, Dame Jilly Cooper, who penned the novel that inspired it. Her remarks during the visit revealed a heartfelt connection to the series and its cast, showcasing her genuine enthusiasm for the arts.
As fans eagerly await the sixth season of *Only Murders in the Building*, the ensemble cast promises to deliver an exciting array of performances. Though the Queen may not appear, the extensive list of guest stars, alongside the main cast’s stellar chemistry, suggests that the show will continue to captivate audiences with its blend of humour and mystery against the vibrant backdrop of London.
With filming well underway, viewers can look forward to a season rich in talent, wit, and perhaps a sprinkle of British charm, making it one of the most highly anticipated comedies of the coming year. As for future royal cameos, only time will tell whether we might see another member of the royal family don the screen in a future season of this beloved show.