Meghan Markle starred on Deal or No Deal in the US as a briefcase model in 2006 before finding fame
MEGHAN Markle endured a stint as a briefcase model on Deal Or No Deal before finding fame on Suits – and she did not enjoy it.
The actor’s engagement to Prince Harry was announced today but years ago, as she worked toward her big break, Meghan had to wear a skimpy red dress and stand around holding briefcase number 24 in the US version of the show, which is far more glamorous than our Noel Edmonds’ one.
And while she may have been part of one of the world’s biggest gameshow formats, the 36-year-old later revealed that the 2006 gig was not one she looks back fondly on.
She told Esquire in 2013: "I would put that in the category of things I was doing while I was auditioning to try to make ends meet.
"I went from working in the US Embassy in Argentina to ending up on Deal. It's run the gamut.
"Definitely working on Deal or No Deal was a learning experience, and it helped me to understand what I would rather be doing.
"So if that's a way for me to gloss over that subject, then I will happily shift gears into something else."
Meghan also revealed that despite looking glamorous in her role, it was all “terribly uncomfortable.”
She added: "I would end up standing up there forever in these terribly uncomfortable and inexpensive five-inch heels just waiting for someone to pick my number so I could go and sit down."
And as Meghan goes from carrying a suitcase on her arm to a huge diamond on her hand, her former Deal Or No Deal co-models speak incredibly highly of her.
Aubrie Lemon told Entertainment Tonight: “Meghan is beautiful smart talented, I think she absolutely deserves to be a princess.”
While Leyla Milani paid tribute to her hard work ethic: “She was always reading scripts behind the scenes when we had our downtime, she was always working on her craft.”
How Harry and Meghan's romance blossomed
May - October 2016: 'Besotted' Harry meets his future princess
May 2, 2016 - It is not known exactly when Prince Harry first met the Suits actress but he travelled to Toronto, where Meghan Markle lives to launch the countdown to the Invictus Games. The pair are then believed to have been introduced through friends in London in July last year and started seeing eachother.
Oct 30, 2016 - News of their relationship broke and the prince was described as 'besotted' with the actress. A source described Harry as "happier than he's been for many years".
November 2016 - January 2017: Protective prince defends new love
Nov 8, 2016 - In an unprecedented statement, Harry attacked the media over its "abuse and harassment" of his girlfriend. He claimed Meghan had experienced racism and sexism and even attempts by members of the press to get into her home.
Nov 11, 2016 - Three days later Ms Markle was spotted in London amid unconfirmed reports she was stay at Kensington Palace for the first time.
Dec 6, 2016 - Harry flew straight from his Caribbean tour to Toronto to be with Ms Markle, making a 1,700-mile (2,736 km) detour instead of flying to London.
Dec 13, 2016 - The couple were buying a Christmas tree together in Battersea Park. The tree seller described the pair as "totally happy, cute, couple-y - but not overly mushy and gross".
February 2017 - June 2017: First public kiss and meeting the family
Feb 2, 2017 - Harry and Meghan were spotted holding hands on a date night in London amid claims she had "virtually moved in" with the prince at his two-bedroom bachelor pad Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.
May 7, 2017 - The couple were photographed kissing in public for the first time at Cowarth Park polo club in Ascot, Berkshire, and just days later she joined Harry at Pippa Middleton's wedding reception.
July 2017 - November 2017: Wedding rumours and engagement announced
July 8 - Meghan was reported to have been spotted trying on wedding dresses, sending rumours of an impending engagement into overdrive.
Sep 5 - Ms Markle graced the cover of US magazine Vanity Fair and spoke openly about Harry for the first time, revealing: ''We're two people who are really happy and in love.''
Sep 25, 2017 - Just days later they appeared hand-in hand at their first official public appearance together at Invictus's wheelchair tennis.
Nov 27, 2017 - After weeks of speculation, Clarence House announced the engagement, and the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh say they are "delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness."
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