Meghan Markle's family 'banned' from UK reality TV shows over fears they will embarrass the royal family
Meghan Markle may now heave a sigh of relief as top reality TV shows in the UK have banned Meghan's relatives from appearing on their channel over fears that they would make anti-royal remarks.
The Duchess of Sussex's family will not be allowed on I'm a Celebrity, Strictly or Dancing on Ice, bosses at ITV and BBC have decided. Very recently, it was reported that Meghan's half-sister, Samantha, will appear on Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5. Samantha has been outspoken about the new Duchess dubbing Meghan as 'princess pushy' while promoting her tell-all book.
Sources told Mirror that the broadcasters think it might be in bad taste to cash in on the Markles. A source told the publication: "Meghan’s family have pretty much been vetoed from appearing on the biggest reality shows."
"The Markles have not been shy about talking about their famous family member. Obviously, for TV networks the draw is they will say things which create headlines and bring in viewers. However, now any chances of that happening on I’m a Celebrity or Strictly is over," the source said, adding, "The BBC do not want to host someone on Strictly who would be so anti the Royal Family. And ITV’s top brass feel they would not give a voice to these people."
Many have claimed that ITV controller Kevin Lygo was a key part of the decision. However, this decision will not affect the Markle clan when it comes to serving "news purposes."
The relatives can continue to make controversial remarks as Meghan's father recently told Piers Morgan in Good Morning Britain that he had this private conversation with Prince Harry discussing Brexit and Donald Trump.
A second ITV source confirmed to the Mirror that the broadcaster is not 'currently considering them for any entertainment shows'. A spokesman for Strictly told the site they "don't comment on speculation."
The news comes as an early pitch meeting for network shows and independent production firms who were likely to have discussed the potential of featuring her relatives. The clan includes dad Thomas, half-brother Thomas Jnr, Samantha and cousin Tyler Dooley, who grows legal cannabis in Oregon.