Meghan Markle: Celebrity chef reveals why he rejected Netflix series as Thomas Markle reacts

A Michelin-starred celebrity chef has revealed why he declined to work on Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show, as the royal’s estranged father speaks out.

A Michelin-starred celebrity chef says he rejected an offer to work on Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show because he thought it would be “forced and fake”.

Jameson Stocks said he was contacted by the streaming company to consult on a mystery lifestyle show which he suspected was Meghan’s then upcoming series, With Love, Meghan.

He declined to take part, saying he made the right choice as the show was “painful to watch”.

Meghan Markle perfecting her rainbow fruit platter on her Netflix series.

The cooking series, which offers viewers a glimpse of Meghan and Prince Harry’s lavish lifestyle and has been renewed by Netflix for a second series, has been slammed by British TV critics amid accusations it is smug and elitist.

Stocks, who lived on the streets as a teenager before getting a job at a Marco Pierre White restaurant when he was just 15, has earned global recognition for making Michelin-quality cuisine accessible food for home cooks.

Jameson Stocks declined to take part in Meghan Markle's series. Picture: Jameson Stocks/Instagram

With Love, Meghan gives an insight into the Sussexes’ lavish lifestyle.

He said he declined to take part in the series as he was worried about “being slammed for being a part of it”.

“I didn’t like the idea of me showing her how to do something and then it being forced and fake,” Stocks told GB News.

“I imagine Netflix would have had two or three consultants — a stylist, for her clothes, to give her ideas for the food.

“If she is going to do something herself, she should do something herself. Netflix is obviously such a huge company, they’re going to surround her with quality people to make her look good.

“At the end of the day, they’re trying to chase the money.”

Stocks told GB News that Meghan should stick to acting.

“She’s quite a good actress,” he said.

“In real life or on screen. People should stick to what they do best.”

Meghan Markle tells friend Mindy Kaling she now goes by the name “Meghan Sussex”.

It came as Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, said her paternal grandmother would be “turning in her grave” over some of the claims in the new series.

He told The Mail on Sunday it was painful that Meghan no longer wanted to use the surname Markle.

In a scene from the second episode of the series that went viral, Meghan fired back at Mindy Kaling after the star referred to her as “Meghan Markle”.

“It’s so funny, too, that you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now,” Meghan told Kaling in the scene.

Harry and Meghan were bestowed their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex by the late Queen after they wed in 2018.

Thomas Markle says he is hurt by his daughter Meghan’s new claims about her childhood.

Meghan Markle with her parents Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland. Picture: Thomas Markle: My Story

Days after the scene aired, Drew Barrymore introduced Meghan as “Meghan Sussex” on her talk show, to wild applause from the live audience.

Mr Markle told The Mail on Sunday: “My mum loved Meghan very much but she would be so disappointed to hear that Meghan no longer wants to use the name ‘Markle’.

“My mother was proud to be a Markle. So am I.

“Meghan never had a problem with the Markle name until she met Prince Harry.”

Mr Markle also took issue with Meghan’s claim in the series that was a “latchkey kid” who made her own TV dinners and ate fast food.

The former TV lighting expert said money was never an issue and he would personally pick Meghan up from school every day or send a car to fetch her if he was too busy.

Despite Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland being a great cook, the Duchess of Sussex didn’t show a great deal of interest in cooking as a child, he said.