
Okay, so I just heard the most delicious gossip about the next series of Strictly. And honestly? I'm already imagining teh Queen and King Charles sitting in those sparkly audience chairs looking slightly uncomfortable while the Strictly band plays some pop song they've never heard of.
Audio Summary of the Article
The Queen's Son Might Be Waltzing His Way to Our Screens
Word on the street is that Tom Parker Bowles – yes, Queen Camilla's actual son – is in serious talks to join the Strictly lineup. The 50-year-old food critic (who I've always thought has a bit of a Hugh Grant thing going on) apparently was approached last year too, but nothing came of it.
I bumped into someone connected with the show at a press event last week who couldn't officially confirm anything but gave me that "you didn't hear it from me" look when I mentioned his name. Classic BBC secrecy!
Would Mummy Be Watching?
Can you imagine? The actual Queen sitting there with her scoring paddle? "One simply gives it a seven."

A source told the Mirror: "It would be a coup to sign someone with such a strong royal link. Maybe we could see Camilla and Charles in the audience?"
Tom's already got telly experience from his MasterChef judging gigs, but dancing is a whole different beast. Back in 2018, I interviewed him about his cookbook and he mentioned having "two left feet" when I asked about reality TV. Wonder if that was just modesty or if we're in for some royal dad dancing...
Toff's Trading Chelsea For The Ballroom
Listen. Georgia Toffolo is also reportedly in discussions to join the show. The Made In Chelsea star and I'm A Celebrity winner would bring that posh reality TV glamour that Strictly producers seem to love.
I've met Toff a couple times at events. She's actually surprisingly down-to-earth for someone who speaks like she's perpetually at Henley Regatta. My friend who works in TV production spent $400 on a dress just to attend the same party as her last summer. (The things we do for networking...)

BOSH! The Apprentice Geezer Is Confirmed
While Tom and Toff are still in the "maybe" column, Thomas Skinner from The Apprentice is definitely putting on his dancing shoes.
The 34-year-old Cockney entrepreneur (who I once saw demolishing a full English at a TV studio canteen at 6am – respect) is known for his catchphrase "Bosh!" and will apparently be the show's attempt to get "working-class blokes" watching.
One source told The Sun: "He's a huge football fan and enjoys pies and gravy. He's not a luvvie at all."
That description made me laugh out loud. As if enjoying pies and gravy is the defining characteristic of not being a luvvie!

From Pie Lover to Dance Floor Mover
Skinner's apparently been hitting the gym hard recently. I wonder if he knew this was coming? Getting Strictly-ready is no joke – I've heard contestants can lose up to a stone during training.
He's previously mentioned that his mum would love him to do the show. Aww.
With three kids and wife Sinéad at home, I'm curious how he'll balance the infamous Strictly rehearsal schedule. Those 10-hour dance days are brutal.
When Will We Know The Full Lineup?
The BBC typically drip-feeds the contestant announcements throughout August, with the show kicking off in September. I'm already planning my Saturday nights around it... sad but true.

Who else would you like to see on the dance floor? I'm still holding out hope for David Beckham, but my friends tell me I'm dreaming.
I'll be updating this as soon as more names are confirmed. The sequins are calling!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do royal families maintain their relevance?
Royal families maintain their relevance through public engagement and adaptation to contemporary issues. Many royals focus on charitable work, participate in social causes, and utilize media platforms to connect with the public.
Are royal families involved in politics?
The level of political involvement varies by country. In constitutional monarchies, royals may have ceremonial roles without political power, while in absolute monarchies, they may wield significant influence over governance.
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Different cultures have varied views on royalty, often shaped by history, religion, and societal norms. In some cultures, royalty is revered and seen as divine, while in others, it may be viewed with skepticism or as outdated.
Statistics
- Approximately 43 monarchies currently exist around the world, with varying degrees of power and influence.
- Royal families often have extensive wealth, with estimates suggesting that the House of Windsor is worth over £500 million.
- Royal weddings often attract massive global audiences, with the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 drawing an estimated 29 million viewers in the United States alone.
- In Sweden, the monarchy has been a constitutional institution since 1809, with King Carl XVI Gustaf serving since 1973.
- Public engagements and charitable work by royal family members have been shown to improve public perceptions of the monarchy, as seen in various surveys across Europe.
- About 90% of monarchies today are constitutional, where the monarch's powers are limited by law or a constitution.
- In Spain, the monarchy was restored in 1975 after the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and the current king, Felipe VI, ascended to the throne in 2014.
- The British Royal Family, one of the most recognized royal families, has an estimated annual expenditure of around £100 million.
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Supporting charities associated with royal families can be a fulfilling way to contribute to meaningful causes. Start by researching royal foundations and patronages, which often focus on areas such as health, education, and the environment. Visit their official websites to learn about their missions, ongoing projects, and donation options. Participating in events or fundraisers organized by these charities can also provide opportunities to engage directly. Sharing information about these causes on social media can help raise awareness and encourage others to contribute. By supporting these charities, you become part of the positive impact that royal families aim to create in society.