SARAH Ferguson was teed up for this year’s I’m A Celeb but talks collapsed when she refused to discuss ex-hubby Prince Andrew.
The Duchess of York had been set to sign one of the biggest deals in the ITV1 show’s history.
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Fergie, 64, wanted producers to ensure she was not asked about Andy, who she still lives with despite divorcing in 1996.
A senior ITV source said: “Execs pulled out all the stops to get a huge name and were agonisingly close to sealing the deal with the Duchess.
“But part of the attraction of getting someone with an interesting life story is that there’s always the possibility of sharing it with the campmates.
“For Fergie, the prospect of being put on the spot with millions watching at home was just too much. Neither side was willing to budge in the end.”
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Fergie — mum to Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice — has been loyal to Andrew amid the Jeffrey Epstein paedo scandal and claims the Duke slept with a 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre.
Last year, ex-rugby player Mike Tindall, 45, who is married to the King’s niece Zara, took part in the show and remained largely discrete about his royal connections.
Yesterday, stars of this year’s series including singer Marvin Humes, food critic Grace Dent and ex-EastEnders actress Danielle Harold, landed at Brisbane airport ready to face challenges in the Australian jungle.
Fergie’s spokesman denied the claims last night, saying: “There has been no such approach, she did not consider appearing and no discussions of the sort suggested have taken place.”
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FORMER EastEnders actress Danielle Harold, 31, arrived Down Under ready to embrace some Aussie sunshine — saying she could not wait to dispense with her fake tan and make-up.
And she joked: “I’m just here for some surfing with Nigel Farage.
“I heard this is a really good spot.”
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