EXCLUSIVE: Sarah Ferguson was approached by the BBC earlier this year to take part in the new series of the popular ballroom dance show Strictly Come Dancing.

The Duchess of York has turned down an offer of appearing on Strictly Come Dancing (Image: Getty)

The Duchess of York has been approached by the BBC to appear in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing 20th anniversary special – but has turned it down, the Daily Express can exclusively reveal.

According to our extremely well-placed source, Sarah Ferguson, 64, was approached by the BBC earlier this year to take part in the new series of the popular ballroom dance show.

“There was an approach earlier this year,” said our TV source. “It was turned down immediately and no discussions took place, as the Duchess doesn’t consider reality TV offers.”

Despite the Duchess having an aversion to reality television, Sarah has made several appearances on chat shows and even tried her hand at hosting ITV’s This Morning.

Sarah divided opinion with her stint as a guest presenter on This Morning last year.

She jokingly described herself as the “fluff” as she joined co-hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary on the famous sofa.

The Duchess also joined the Loose Women panel as a special guest on the ITV show in June. She joined Christine Lampard, Brenda Edwards and Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor.

Sarah Ferguson has appeared on TV shows as a host but draws the line at reality TV (Image: Getty)

Strictly Come Dancing has recently come under fire for reports from previous celebrity contestants including Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Zara McDermott about how they were treated while on the show.

The BBC launched an investigation after allegations were made about dancer Giovanni Pernice by Abbington. Pernice rejects the allegations.

Made In Chelsea’s Zara McDermott said she was involved in incidents in the training room that she now finds “incredibly distressing” to watch back, following the news that her dance partner Graziano Di Prima has left the show.

Sarah Ferguson is very close to her two daughters – Princess Beatrice turns 36 today (Image: Getty)

The Duchess of York’s eldest daughter Princess Beatrice turns 36 today, August 8, and the rest of the Royal Family will surely be keen to help her celebrate, especially her parents and her younger sister Princess Eugenie.

Her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, her stepson Wolfie, who is currently in the United States with his mother Dara Huang, and her daughter Sienna Elizabeth will also ensure she has a very special day.

Both the BBC and the Duchess of York’s representative have been approached for comment.