A member of the royal family is being linked with a spot on Strictly this year

The next series of Strictly Come Dancing could be a special one as it may include a royal.

The show won't be back on screens until the autumn but producers are already eyeing up potential contestants. It's reported that they want a member of the royal family to take part this year. Strictly bosses want to capitalise on the current fascination with Britain's most famous family, reports the Sunday Mirror. Don't expect to see Meghan or Kate donning their dancing shoes, though. Zara Tindall, her husband Mike and Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson are the names being tipped for the show. "Strictly is a proper family show and hugely respected, so bosses think it wouldn’t be a problem for a royal to take to the dance floor," a source said. "The show’s celebrity booker is good pals with Mike." In response, the BBC has refused to confirm or deny the speculation that it's lining up a royal contestant. "We don’t comment on speculation and the line-up will be announced in due course," a spokesman said. Zara, daughter of Princess Anne, is the queen's eldest granddaughter. She married former rugby player Mike in 2011. Fergie meanwhile was married to Prince Andrew and is mum to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.