Pippa Middleton is wanted for this year's series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Pippa Middleton

Pippa Middleton

The 33-year-old socialite - the sister of Duchess Catherine - is reportedly being eyed up for the forthcoming instalment of the ballroom and latin show but bosses don't think they'll be able to afford her fee now that she's so in demand around the world.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "It would be such a coup [if producers managed to bag the brunette beauty for the programme]. We're just not sure the BBC can afford her fee. Who knows what will happen when the celebrities are announced."

However, although producers are no doubt willing to part with a lot of cash to ensure they bag author, Pippa has somewhat of a busy year thus far as she's just tied the knot with her partner James Matthews and the pair are currently in Australia on honeymoon.

Meanwhile, this year's series of 'Strictly...' will be slightly different as head judge Len Goodman - who was on the show for 12 years - decided to walk away from the panel at the end of last year and has now been replaced by talented dancer Shirley Ballas.

And the programme's host Tess Daly believes she was the right choice to replace the legendary choreographer because she has a lot of "experience" and will be able to help Darcey Bussell keep Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli "in line".

Tess - who presents 'Strictly' with Claudia Winkleman - said: "They absolutely had to go for experience - after all, she's replacing Len, who was the voice of wisdom and the most experienced. So you go for the person who brings that experience with them.

"I think she'll be amazing - firm, fair, a little bit fierce and quite fabulous. That's my prediction. She'll help Darcey keep her naughty boys in line."