Sarah Ferguson 'rejected Celebrity Traitors' but BBC bosses refuse to give up

Sarah, Duchess of York, was reportedly invited by the BBC to star in the forthcoming series of The Celebrity Traitors. However,The Duchessis said to have declined the BBC's invitation and will not be joining the likes of Sir Stephen Fry, Kate Garraway, and Tom Daley in the debut celebrity edition of the popular programme.

While the Duchess has yet to venture into reality TV, she has previously filled in as a guest panellist on ITV's Loose Women and had a one-day gig as the host of This Morning alongside Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary.

Speaking of the latest approach, a TV insider said: "The Duchess was approached about Celebrity Traitors early on. We got the impression she was a fan of the show but eventually turned it down on the basis that she doesn't do celebrity shows."

The source continued to tell the Express: "That doesn't mean the BBC has given up on trying to get her to take part in a future series, however." The BBC declined to comment.

If the Duchess had accepted the offer, she would have been in esteemed company. Other high-profile names in the line-up include broadcasting icon Clare Balding.

Comedian Alan Carr, singer Paloma Faith and much-loved veteran actress Celia Imrie - fresh off the back of the success of murder mystery drama, The Thursday Murder Club - will also appear.

As well chat show host Jonathan Ross, former England rugby player Joe Marler, comedian Lucy Beaumont and actor Nick Mohammed. Ahead of the show, host Claudia Winkleman revealed: "We're incredibly lucky these brilliant people have said yes.

"I'd love to say we'll take it easy on them and they'll just wander round the castle and eat toast for a couple of weeks but that would be a lie."

King Charles' relative, Lord Ivar Mountbatten, previously set a precedent when he signed up and ultimately won the US version of The Traitors last year. Lord Ivar remarked at the time: "I'm used to talking to a lot of strangers.

"And having my last name, you do have to be on your best behaviour all the time because people always remember meeting you," he told Town and Country. "So, in that sense, I was very comfortable meeting other people and being nice."

A new The Traitors project has also been revealed ahead of it airing and fans will able to get involved. As we await the arrival of Celebrity Traitors this autumn, it has been announced that there is a new "iconic" project on its way.

Speaking after revealing the exciting puzzle book, which viewers can enjoy until the new series arrives, creators said: "Welcome to The Traitors – where nothing is as it seems ... Based on the global TV phenomenon The Traitors, this thrilling search-and-find adventure invites you to uncover hidden clues and expose the cloaked betrayers lurking in plain sight.

"Perfect for fans of The Traitors TV show and puzzle lovers alike, this immersive book will test your observational skills and challenge your inner detective."

A representative for The Duchess declined to comment.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads .

READ MORE: ‘I’m a fashion writer and these M&S autumn jackets are on my wish-list’