Strictly Come Dancing has been under intense scrutiny for the last few weeks, and now Royal Family member have been warned not to take part in the show following speculation some might be headed to the dance floor.
Paul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, has shared his concerns about royals participating in the BBC competition.
The royal expert was asked to share his thoughts about potential sign-ups to the show, to which he replied royals should “absolutely not” consider it.
He continued: “We’ve seen the disaster that was It’s a Royal Knockout. We saw that. I’m old enough to remember that, it was a complete disaster.
“I don’t think we want our core members of the Royal Family, for instance, the Duchess of Edinburgh, entertaining the British public in the ballroom.
“No, I think reality TV shows are not the place for members of the Royal Family, but you are going to say Mike Tindall did [I’m A Celeb] but he’s not a member of the Royal Family.”
Paul Burrell has issued a warning to Royal Family members
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The 66-year-old went on: “He doesn’t have a title. He doesn’t present himself as a representative of the Royal Family.
“He’s married to a member of the Royal Family but he has never adopted that persona. So for example, he can get away with it.”
When probed about Zara Tindall, who Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, 63, has previously stated she would “love” to see on the show, Burrell replied on behalf of Slingo: “So she’s not titled but she’s the daughter of the Princess Royal.
“There’s a direct link there and I think the royals have to remember why and what they do and that their best USP is public service and to remain dignified at all times.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has reportedly expressed a desire to take part in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing
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“You’ve got to remember that reality TV shows are sometimes edited and controlled by other people. So, you may not have full control over how you are being represented and I think that’s dangerous.”
He went on to argue: “I think the Royal Family should stick to what they do, and they do it well, and not cross over into the entertainment world. Our Royal Family are royal, they’re not celebrities. That’s what people have to remember. Harry and Meghan may have crossed over into the celebrity world, but William and Kate haven’t and they shouldn’t.”
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is among the royals who have reportedly expressed an interest in taking part in the popular family show.
Princess Anne, who’s recently returned to royal duties following a hospital stint after a horse-riding incident earlier this year, has also shared her fondness for the dance competition.
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Zara Tindall has in the past been rumoured to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing
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However, the reputation of the programme is currently being dragged through the mud following a flood of allegations about “misconduct” by the professional dancers.
Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima have been removed from the series this year following a BBC investigation based on the claims.
Professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec was brought back to the cast following a hiatus to fill the gap left by Pernice.
This year’s professionals have all returned to rehearsals too, with the show’s Instagram page sharing a snap of everyone in action on Monday.