Strictly bosses 'make huge casting decision to avoid upsetting Queen Camilla'

Wales Online

5 hours ago

Strictly bosses 'make huge casting decision to avoid upsetting Queen Camilla'
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly vetoed one star from joining the show.
Queen Camilla is a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images )
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly ruled out Paul Burrell for the dance floor, amid concerns about ruffling feathers at Buckingham Palace.
Sources have suggested that the former Royal butler has been considered as a potential star in past series.
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However, show bosses are said to be anxious about how his participation might be received by the Palace and have consequently shelved the idea.
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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."
Despite denying claims of profiting from his ties with the late Princess Diana, Burrell's potential casting could clash with the BBC programme's established rapport with the royals.
Diana, The Princess Of Wales, with Paul Burrell, in 1994
(Image: UK Press via Getty Images )
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Queen Camilla, an attendee of the Silver Swans ballet classes offered by the Royal Academy of Dance, has openly declared herself one of Strictly's most ardent admirers.
She once revealed to Strictly pro Johannes Radebe that "we all watch it".
Tess Daly's spouse Vernon Kay has also spoken about the genuine bond formed between his wife and the Queen, who is apparently eager for insider details on the show, reports the Mirror.
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He remarked: "Camilla and Tess have a real friendship through it now. They don't text, but we have mutual friends and messages come through.
Paul has appeared on several ITV programmes including I'm A Celebrity
(Image: ITV )
"When they see each other, the Queen is always asking: 'Who is your favourite?' She wants to know the backstage gossip.
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"It's crazy to think of the King and Queen sat on the sofa with a brew watching your wife present Strictly."
Camilla further embraced the spirit of Strictly by throwing a palace tea party for the show, where she twirled around with former pro Brendan Cole, and even recorded a special video message for the 2020 final, won by the duo Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse.
Many pointed to the fact that Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess were this month recognised in the King's Birthday Honours, having co-hosted the series since 2014.
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Reach Screen Time contacted the BBC, who declined to comment.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year