'I personally apologised': John Boyega claims Prince William and Harry were CUT from Star Wars cameo... but is he just pulling everyone's leg?

John Boyega has claimed Prince William and Prince Harry's hotly-tipped cameos in the new Star Wars film were cut from the final version. 

The actor suggested the royals played Stormtroopers in Star Wars: The Last Jedi but were scrapped from the final edit, in a revelation that left This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield baffled.

The 25-year-old also said he 'personally apologised' to the Princes for the disappointment and claimed the Duke of Cambridge joked that he needs to 'work on his skills'.

Clearly unsure as to whether John was telling the truth, Holly and Phillip raised a few eyebrows after he dropped the shocking bombshell. 

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Cut? John has claimed Prince William and Prince Harry's hotly-tipped cameos in the new Star Wars film were cut from the final version. Pictured at the film's premiere on Tuesday

Cut? John Boyega has claimed Prince William and Prince Harry's hotly-tipped cameos in the new Star Wars film were cut from the final version. Pictured at the film's premiere on Tuesday

John - who plays Finn in the sci-fi franchise - made the shocking admission on the ITV daytime show This Morning on Wednesday.

'Were they Stormtroopers?' Phil asked the actor.

Boyega answered: 'Yeah they were man, I'm sick of this. They were but they were cut out of the film.'

'So they ended up on the cutting room floor?' Phillip asked in confusion.

Hang on a tick! The actor claimed the royals played Stormtroopers in Star Wars: The Last Jedi but were scrapped from the final edit, in an interview on This Morning - leaving hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield baffled

Hang on a tick! The actor claimed the royals played Stormtroopers in Star Wars: The Last Jedi but were scrapped from the final edit, in an interview on This Morning - leaving hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield baffled

Oh dear: The 25-year-old said he 'personally apologised' to the Princes for the disappointment and said the Duke of Cambridge (pictured) joked that he needs to 'work on his skills'

Oh dear: The 25-year-old said he 'personally apologised' to the Princes for the disappointment and said the Duke of Cambridge (pictured) joked that he needs to 'work on his skills'

'I did personally apologise to them yesterday and said: "Sorry you were cut out of the film," John insisted.

'And Will was like: "I probably just need to work more on the skills." I was like: "Maybe bruv.'' 

MailOnline has contacted reps for John and Kensington Palace for comment.

While it's nigh-on impossible to identify the Princes in the new film, thanks to the Stormtroopers’ white helmets and full shiny suits, speculation about their role had reached fever-pitch including reports that their height has blown the secret.

Fans of the franchise may know that Stormtroopers have to be 5ft 11in to play the part of the men in white suits.

Set to storm your screens: It was confirmed earlier this year that the royals had a small part as Stormtroopers in the Episode VIII film

Claims: John said: 'Will was like: "I probably just need to work more on the skills." I was like: "Maybe bruv'

Claims: John said: 'Will was like: "I probably just need to work more on the skills." I was like: "Maybe bruv'

However, Prince William is a towering 6ft 2in and Harry is only a fraction less at 6ft1in, which could set them apart from the rest of the group.

According to a report in The Telegraph, the towering princes featured within a group of Stormtroopers guarding the Empire ship in the 152-minute film, as speculation mounted about their Hollywood cameo.

The duo were said to be part of a group who reprimand rebels Finn - played by John Boyega - and DJ - played by Benicio Del Toro.

Harry and William were pictured at Pinewood Studios last April, when their secret film cameo was unveiled to the public.

A source told The Mail on Sunday at the time: ‘The line given was that they were going to have lunch and a private tour of the rest of the set.

Fighting spirit: The Royals were seen showing off their lightsaber skills during a visit to the Star Wars film set at Pinewood Studios last year

Fighting spirit: The Royals were seen showing off their lightsaber skills during a visit to the Star Wars film set at Pinewood Studios last year

'What really happened is that the director came over and told them it was time to “get suited” and off they went to the wardrobe department.

‘The Princes dressed up in full Stormtrooper gear and filmed a scene in which Rey - actress Daisy Ridley - and Finn infiltrate a secret base.

'The rebel characters are in a lift with Benicia del Toro’s character when a group of Stormtroopers enter – two of whom are William and Harry.’

In the same interview, Holly slipped up live on air and revealed a major plot point.

Interviewing John the morning after the London premiere of the eighth film in the sci-fi franchise, Holly declared that iconic character Yoda is set to return in the movie. 

Slip of the tongue: In the same interview, Holly revealed  that iconic character Yoda is set to return in the movie. Clearly dumbstruck and slightly panicked, Holly tried to cover her tracks. 'I don't know what happens. But it's out there,' she stammered

Slip of the tongue: In the same interview, Holly revealed that iconic character Yoda is set to return in the movie. Clearly dumbstruck and slightly panicked, Holly tried to cover her tracks. 'I don't know what happens. But it's out there,' she stammered

This left John speechless, looking around the hotel room he was being interviewed from in shock.

Cringing at Holly's bombshell, he said to her: 'You can't tell the fans what happens!'

Clearly dumbstruck and slightly panicked, Holly tried to cover her tracks. 'I don't know what happens. But it's out there,' she stammered.

John was quick to reply: 'I can't reveal that.'

 Oops: This left John speechless, looking around the hotel room he was being interviewed from in shock

 Oops: This left John speechless, looking around the hotel room he was being interviewed from in shock

Still flustered, Holly said: 'I don't know!'

Trying to add humour to proceedings, John joked: 'Maybe it was just another short alien. Maybe it was me on my knees.'

Still grasping, Holly added: 'You do a good Yoda impression, that's what I was getting at...'

Should the spoiler be correct, this will be Yoda's first appearance in the franchise since 2005's Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

His voice was heard in 2015's The Force Awakens when the character Rey discovers Luke Skywalker's lightsaber; but this was not an on-screen appearance.

Back again? Should the spoiler be correct, this will be Yoda's first appearance in the franchise since 2005's Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Back again? Should the spoiler be correct, this will be Yoda's first appearance in the franchise since 2005's Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

The character has appeared in every other movie in the franchise aside from the very first film, A New Home, in 1977. 

Meanwhile, Star Wars: The Last Jedi has been well-received by the critics.

Taking control of the franchise from J.J. Abrams, director Rian Johnson has been lauded for his 'bold' but also 'witty' and 'nostalgic' eighth installment, which is set for release on December 15.

However, with an 152-minute running time, other critics were quick to bemoan its length, which they claim caused the plot to become 'muddled' and 'confused'. 

The Last Jedi comes two years after The Force Awakens, and picks up with the Resistance fighting Supreme Leader Snoke's First Order - which is trying to take over the galaxy.

Success: It is the most highly anticipated movie of the year - and if the reviews are anything to go by, Star Wars: The Last Jedi certainly does not disappoint (Daisy Ridley pictured)

Success: It is the most highly anticipated movie of the year - and if the reviews are anything to go by, Star Wars: The Last Jedi certainly does not disappoint (Daisy Ridley pictured)

Main man: Director Rian Johnson has been lauded for his 'bold' but also 'witty' and 'nostalgic' eighth installment, which is set for release on December 15

Main man: Director Rian Johnson has been lauded for his 'bold' but also 'witty' and 'nostalgic' eighth installment, which is set for release on December 15.

Rey (played by Daisy Ridley) tries to convince Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to join the Resistance, and bring hope to the rebels against Snoke's villainous rule.

Jam-packed with action scenes and exciting lightsaber sequences, Johnson's thrilling but also thought-provoking narrative received rave reviews. 

The Daily Mail called it 'a brilliantly crafted, intelligent blockbuster,' while Empire claimed the flick was 'fun, funny but with emotional heft'. 

Total Film commented on its 'excellent' twists and turns, calling it a 'middle chapter bursting with wit, wisdom, emotion, shocks, old-fashioned derring-do, state-of-the-art tech, and stonking set-pieces.'   

The publication were also quick to praise Johnson himself, calling him a 'master' of misdirection, who leaves the viewer thrilled by its 'breakneck twists and hairpin turns'.  

Moving: The Daily Mail called it 'a brilliantly crafted, intelligent blockbuster,' while Empire claimed the flick was 'fun, funny but with emotional heft'

Moving: The Daily Mail called it 'a brilliantly crafted, intelligent blockbuster,' while Empire claimed the flick was 'fun, funny but with emotional heft'

Dragging: However, the Last Jedi's length and confused mid-section was a prominent theme in the reviews - with many critics agreeing a number of scenes were unnecessary

Dragging: However, the Last Jedi's length and confused mid-section was a prominent theme in the reviews - with many critics agreeing a number of scenes were unnecessary

However, the Last Jedi's dragging length and confused mid-section was also a prominent theme in the reviews - with many critics agreeing a number of scenes were unnecessary to the story.

The Washington Post praised its action scenes, affirming it contained 'arguably the most exciting lightsaber fight in the entire franchise'.

However, they added the contrast of the thrilling action with what felt like 'fundamental failures of movie writing' resulted in a 'jarring' finished piece, including unnecessary new characters and difficult dialogue. 

Others were more brutal in their criticism - with The Verge claiming 'audiences will likely come away from The Last Jedi with a lot of complaints and questions,' while Variety deemed it 'the longest and least essential chapter in the series.' 

Bold: The Washington Post praised its action scenes, affirming it contained 'arguably the most exciting lightsaber fight in the entire franchise

Bold: The Washington Post praised its action scenes, affirming it contained 'arguably the most exciting lightsaber fight in the entire franchise'

People were more positive with their critique, adding: 'Rian Johnson's entry into the Star Wars canon is rebelliously bold at times and full of rousing surprises, which make up for a few lulls in the lengthy two-and-a-half-hour run time.'

The Independent followed suit, praising the 'new aliens and areas aplenty' and revealing 'the movie zings with fresh ideas.'

Yet, they also claimed the action was perhaps a tool to overshadow the lacking storyline, writing: 'One of the criticisms will be that many of the plot devices feel clunky – just excuses for cool scenes.'

However, the publication confirmed the film will still 'leave fans beaming with surprise', thanks to the 'tidal wave of energy and emotion that crashes out of the screen'. 

Star of the show: However, critics appeared to pin this high level of rousing emotion to Mark Hamill - who reprises his role as Luke Skywalker, first played in 1977 (above) 

Star of the show: However, critics appeared to pin this high level of rousing emotion to Mark Hamill - who reprises his role as Luke Skywalker, first played in 1977 (above) 

Critics appeared to pin this high level of rousing emotion to Mark Hamill - who reprises his famous Luke Skywalker role, which he first played in 1977. 

After a fleeting appearance in The Force Awakens, Empire praised his 'moving performance', which 'perfectly captured how a gosh-and-golly farm boy can become sarcastic and embittered,' upon return to action beside the younger Daisy Ridley. 

Radio Times agreed it was his fall from idol status that made the film so moving - admitting it was 'great to see [him] back in the Skywalker saddle, albeit now riddled with self-doubt and a broken spirit.'

Here he is: After a fleeting appearance in The Force Awakens, Empire praised his 'moving performance', which 'captured how a  farm boy can become sarcastic and embittered'

Here he is: After a fleeting appearance in The Force Awakens, Empire praised his 'moving performance', which 'captured how a farm boy can become sarcastic and embittered'

Dream team: In the film, Rey (played by Daisy Ridley, above) tries to convince Skywalker to join the Resistance, and bring hope to the rebels against Snoke's villainous rule 

Dream team: In the film, Rey (played by Daisy Ridley, above) tries to convince Skywalker to join the Resistance, and bring hope to the rebels against Snoke's villainous rule 

Tough: Despite their winning chemistry on-screen, Daisy recently admitted she struggled learning to trust her new on-screen partner and franchise veteran Mark

Tough: Despite their winning chemistry on-screen, Daisy recently admitted she struggled learning to trust her new on-screen partner and franchise veteran Mark

Despite their winning chemistry on-screen, Daisy recently admitted she struggled learning to trust her new on-screen partner and franchise veteran Mark.

Speaking at the UK premiere she said: 'I was nervous going in, because John [Boyega] and I were no longer together, and John is my peanut. 

'So I think more than anything, I learned to put your trust in those around you and it'll all turn out pretty well. Putting my trust in Mark and Rian [Johnson, the movie's director] mainly, was wonderful.'

When asked if she found it any easier the second time around, she said: 'I actually felt more nervous because I didn't know what I was doing the first time around, and you kind of think, how am I supposed to do something again when I didn't know what I did the first time?

Having a ball: However, she added: 'Putting my trust in Mark and Rian [Johnson, the movie’s director] mainly, was wonderful'

Having a ball: However, she added: 'Putting my trust in Mark and Rian [Johnson, the movie's director] mainly, was wonderful'

Dark horse: Adam's Kylo Ren received particularly positive reviews, with the Guardian calling his appearance 'superb'

Dark horse: Adam's Kylo Ren received particularly positive reviews, with the Guardian calling his appearance 'superb'

This is her moment: Meanwhile Kelly Marie Tran (above) was praised as 'terrifically good' 

This is her moment: Meanwhile Kelly Marie Tran (above) was praised as 'terrifically good' 

'And I think because people responded so well to John and I together that was a big thing too, thinking how are people going to respond when we're not together. 

'So it was nerve-wracking. But again, as relationships grow and you start to get comfortable, it settles into a wonderful six months.' 

The star-studded ensemble cast joining the two leads this time included John Boyega, as well as Lupita Nyong'o, Adam Driver and Andy Serkis.

Adam's Kylo Ren received particularly positive reviews, with the Guardian calling his appearance 'superb', alongside the 'terrifically good' Kelly Marie Tran.  

The Last Jedi also ends with a dedication to late Princess Leia actress Carrie Fisher, in her final film appearance - universally praised as the ultimate tear-jerking moment by critics.

RIP: The Last Jedi also ends with a dedication to late Princess Leia actress Carrie Fisher, in her final film appearance - universally praised as the ultimate tear-jerking moment by critics

RIP: The Last Jedi also ends with a dedication to late Princess Leia actress Carrie Fisher, in her final film appearance - universally praised as the ultimate tear-jerking moment by critics

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI - REVIEWS 

 'An excellent middle chapter bursting with wit, wisdom, emotion, shocks, old-fashioned derring-do, state-of-the-art tech, and stonking set-pieces.' Total Film

Rating:

'The Last Jedi mounts some genuinely startling narrative twists and feints.' The Telegraph

Rating:

'Simply, it doesn't disappoint.' Radio Times

Rating:

The longest and least essential chapter in the series.' Variety

 'Fun, funny but with emotional heft, this is a mouth-watering set-up for Episode IX.' Empire

Rating:

'A brilliantly crafted, intelligent blockbuster.' Daily Mail 

Rating:

Colossal confrontations, towering indecisions and teetering temptations, spectacular immolations, huge military engagements, and very small disappointments.' The Guardian

Rating:

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