Maya Jama throws punch in plunging dress at The Gentlemen premiere afterparty – as cast grilled on Meghan Markle rumours

MAYA Jama packed a punch in her plunging dress at The Gentlemen premiere in London – before showing off her boxing skills. The stunning broadcaster dressed to impress for the world premiere of Guy Ritchie’s second instalment of the Netflix series, donning a black cut-out leather frock. Maya Jama packed a punch at The Gentlemen after-party in London Credit: Getty The broadcaster, 32, was clearly chuffed with her efforts on the punch bag Credit: Getty While Maya, 32, who features in the TV comedy drama, impressed with her skintight attire – she also wowed with a right hook too – before being grilled about Meghan Markle’s rumoured role in the series. She was seen looking focussed as she tackled a cream punch bag hanging in the centre of the after party. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! After a successful hit, she clapped her hands in delight. Clearly chuffed, the Love Island alum then gave a high five as she celebrated her triumph on the game. She stars in the upcoming Netflix series Credit: Getty Maya was all smiles at the event Credit: Getty She ditched her underwear in her black leather gown Credit: PA She also spoke out on rumours Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, will be joining the cast Credit: Splash Also stepping out at the elegant evening were Kaya Scodelario, who plays ice-cold Susie Glass in the crime series and Theo James, who plays leading character Eddie Horniman. Later in the night, the cast were grilled about Meghan’s potential role in the series. Last month, The Sun exclusively revealed that Meghan, 45, was in advanced talks for a role in The Gentlemen. An insider said: “The gossip in TV circles is that Meghan could play the ultimate temptress, who puts the cat among the pigeons by seducing an aristocrat.” Most read in Showbiz The Gentlemen 2 REVIEW BY ROD MCPHEE ★★★★★ BLOODIED and beaten to a pulp, the virtually unrecognisable face of a man peers out of a muddy ­shallow grave. That’s the dark start to the second outing of The Gentlemen — out on Netflix today — setting the tone for the rest of the series, which pulls no punches. The scene is one of the most shocking because the bloke who’s been left at death’s door is none other than the central character, Eddie Horniman, the Duke of Halstead — played by Theo James. And if director Guy Ritchie can kick things off by virtually killing the leading man, then you get the feeling anything could happen. And it does. The Gentlemen 2 is a white-knuckle ride of glamour — largely courtesy of Love Island host Maya Jama, who puts in a decent performance. It comes with lashings of laughs, romance and a constant undercurrent of danger, courtesy of the duke’s gangster cohorts. If it all sounds rather similar to the debut series, then viewers will be pleasantly surprised. Instead of lazily delivering more of the same, the sequel has a heightened sense of jeopardy throughout. And there’s Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville guest starring as an ostentatious lord, which balances things out with a side- splitting bit of campery. The whole eight-parter feels a little like a long audition for Theo to bag that much-talked-about James Bond lead. If he isn’t cavorting with beautiful women, he’s behind the wheel of a vintage sports car, grappling with henchmen, or jet- setting across some sun-soaked foreign lands. But he doesn’t always steal the limelight. Vinnie Jones’s character, gamekeeper Seacombe, comes into his own towards the series’ end, in a particularly breathtaking episode. All in all, Ritchie has gone from a hugely-hyped debut in 2024 to achieving one of the most tricky things in TV — that difficult second series. Now he faces an almost impossible task in serving up the third season, because this might just be the perfect Gentlemen. Though on the big premiere night, Maya said to the BBC: “I’d be the last person to know!” She added on speculation she could join the Guy Ritchie series, which has been confirmed for a third season: “Oh my God, she’s a seasoned actor. I have no advice for her. She knows what she’s doing”. Theo then added: “It’s fascinating to watch, but ultimately it’s a lot of rumour”. Season 2 follows Eddie Horniman and Susie Glass as they attempt to take control of an increasingly reckless criminal empire. Love Island host Maya makes her acting debut in the crime series. She is seen hunting in full tweed and flat cap — and also dressed in designer gear as she rubs shoulders with toffs including lead character Eddie Horniman, the Duke of Halstead, played by Theo. Comment now