Royal Family members tipped to join UK dancing show

Producers of a UK dancing show are rumoured to be eyeing off not one but three Royal Family members to potentially star on the new season of the program.

Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC dancing contest that sees celebrity contestants compete in different dance styles each week, until a single contestant and their dancing partner remain.

Previous celebrity stars include Pixie Lott, Caroline Flack and Australian singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, but now the show is reportedly looking to add some royals to the mix.

Rumours are now swirling that producers have shortlisted three royals they hope to hit the dancefloor next season: Zara Phillips, her husband Mike Tindall, and Sarah, Duchess of York.

But could the plan actually come to fruition?

Though there are no known royal protocols covering televised dancing competitions, fans think it’s unlikely the family would be on board with the idea.

Yet a source told The Mirror UK that the show has a strong pitch.

“Strictly is a proper family show and hugely respected, so bosses think it wouldn’t be a problem for a royal to take to the dance floor,” they explained.

Not to mention a few royals were even spotted in the audience last season, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Lady Louise, the wife and daughter of Prince Edward, seen at the show just months ago.

The program may even already have a way into the royal fold, as its celebrity booker is reportedly close friends with Mike Tindall.

Even if the ex-rugby star could be convinced however, that doesn’t guarantee either of the ladies would join in – especially if Queen Elizabeth isn’t keen on it.

As a full-blooded royal, Zara Phillips - Princess Anne’s daughter and the Queen’s eldest granddaughter - would likely be the hardest to convince to appear on the show.

Her mother was named as the hardest working royal of 2018 and has always been incredibly dedicated to the crown, carrying out her royal duties with pride and devotion.

With that in mind, it seems fairly unlikely Princess Anne would encourage her daughter to don a sparkly outfit for Strictly Come Dancing.

The same criticism and concern Zara would encounter would pass to husband Mike as well, as it’s safe to assume the last thing you want to do when you’re married into the royal family is irritate your in-laws.

Meanwhile Sarah Ferguson, though more removed from the Royal Family, suffered through many a media storm during her marriage to Prince Andrew and their well-publicised divorce. It’s unlikely she’d be keen to go against the royal family for a dancing show.

The BBC have chosen not to confirm or deny the rumours of a royal contestant (or three), a spokesperson simply saying; "We don’t comment on speculation and the line-up will be announced in due course.”

It looks like fans will just have to wait for the show to return to screens in August.