Will there be royalty on the Strictly Come Dancing floor this year?

We certainly hope so.

strictly come dancing judge

We certainly hope so.

Last year’s Strictly Come Dancing broke its viewing record, with the BBC revealing that in terms of ratings, it was the show’s best series to date – we’re talking 11 million weekly viewers.

It’s unsurprising then that Strictly viewers are already looking forward to the 2017 series gracing our screens later this year.

This year’s series will already see a big change, with head judge Len Goodman stepping down from the show, replaced by 56-year-old international ballroom champion, Shirley Ballas.

‘I am so excited and over the moon to have been given this wonderful opportunity’ announced new judge Shirley Ballas. ‘I can’t wait to get in to the ballroom and be part of the incredible and respected judging panel. Strictly is so loved by the British public, I have always been a massive fan. I just can’t wait.’

The main reason why people are starting to get excited for the 15th series however, is down to the line up, with viewers hoping that royalty might be gracing the Strictly dance floor.

Tess Daly, co-presenter of the show, opened up about her dream celebrity contestant, saying ‘I’d like a royal.’ And when asked which family member she’d love to welcome to the Strictly fold, she answered, ‘Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. It would be wonderful. She’s a big fan of the show.’

While having the Duchess of Cornwall tangoing with Anton du Beck would undoubtedly be one of the best Strictly dances of all time, she’s not the only royal that Strictly are after.

Zara Tindall’s husband Mike got viewers excited when he explained how the two of them had been approached several times about appearing on the show.

‘My wife and I have been asked a couple of times now to do Strictly,’ he explained. ‘I’m not sure it’s our gig, but I would never say never.’

So far this year’s only confirmed contender is Matt Goss, the lead singer of Bros, who took part in the 2013 Christmas special.

Here’s hoping a royal is soon to follow!

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.