Strictly bosses 'ban Diana's friend from line-up to avoid upsetting Camilla'
Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly ruled out Paul Burrell for a spot on the upcoming series, amid concerns about ruffling feathers at Buckingham Palace.
Sources suggest the former Royal butler had been considered as a potential star in past series.
However, show bosses are said to be anxious about how his participation might be received by the Palace and have consequently shelved the idea.
A source told The Mirror: "They know how much Queen Camilla loves the show and would love for her to appear in the audience.....but they fear that Paul's involvement would scupper that relationship."
Burrell has previously been accused of profiting from his association with the late Princess Diana, but has refuted these allegations. Nonetheless, the BBC programme does enjoy a close connection with Royal circles.
Queen Camilla, an attendee of Silver Swans ballet classes offered by the Royal Academy of Dance, has proclaimed herself as one of Strictly's "greatest fans".
(Image: ITV)
She even once remarked to Strictly pro Johannes Radebe "we all watch it".
Host Tess Daly's husband Vernon Kay has also spoken about the "real friendship" blossoming between his wife and the Queen, who is apparently eager for insider details, reports the Mirror.
Vernon commented: "Camilla and Tess have a real friendship through it now. They don't text, but we have mutual friends and messages come through.
"When they see each other, the Queen is always asking: 'Who is your favourite?' She wants to know the backstage gossip.
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
"It's crazy to think of the King and Queen sat on the sofa with a brew watching your wife present Strictly."
Queen Camilla also threw a palace tea party for Strictly, where she twirled around with ex-pro Brendan Cole and even recorded a video message for the 2020 final, won by Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse.
Observers have noted that Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess were recently honoured in the King's Birthday Honours. They've been at the helm of the show together since 2014.
Reach Screen Time contacted the BBC, who declined to comment.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
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