Zara Phillips has reportedly angered members of the royal family after agreeing to compete in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
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Zara – Queen Elizabeth’s eldest granddaughter – has signed up for the hit BBC TV show, which partners celebrities with professional dance partners.
A source said: “People are pinching themselves at the idea that this is actually happening.
“The queen may have something to say about Zara appearing on a live TV show every Saturday. Many in royal circles will find it inappropriate.”
However, BBC bosses are thrilled with the signing of Zara – who is dating England rugby star Mike Tindall – as they hope her famous cousins, Princes William and Harry, may come to the show and support her.
The source added to the Sunday Mirror: “The idea of getting Zara involved was floating around for a while but no one thought it would come off.
“Last year’s line-up was pretty strong, but signing a royal is a trump card in the ratings battle. Who can resist switching on, just in case Wills and Harry drop in to wish their cousin good luck?”
Her involvement in the reality TV show is likely to cause deep embarrassment to the royals but they are powerless to stop her as she doesn’t have an official title.
A BBC spokeswoman said: “We can neither confirm nor deny the speculation around contestants at this stage.”
But a source confirmed Zara has signed an “early stage” contract called a “letter of intent” to appear on the show.
