Royal Zara Phillips and rugby star boyfriend Mike Tindall are in talks to star in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

They are said to top the BBC’s wishlist for the ballroom dancing reality show.

Chiefs reckon horsewoman Zara, Princess Anne’s 27-year-old daughter, would add a dash of regal glamour to the series.

She and Mike, 29, would be only the second couple to compete on the show. A top telly source said: “The BBC are going all-out to get Zara and Mike to sign up. They could be real contenders.” (via The Sun)

England rugby star Mike Tindall, the boyfriend of the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Phillips, has been arrested for drink-driving.

Police said they arrested a 29-year-old Gloucestershire man on the M4 near Newbury in Berkshire on Saturday morning – the day after the Cheltenham Racing Festival.

The man was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and released on bail to return to a police station on April 29. Police would not confirm that it was Tindall who was arrested.

The player was seen the night before, drinking with Ms Phillips at a private party at Cheltenham, the Sun newspaper reported today.

He was not in the team for England’s Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday afternoon after suffering a serious liver injury during his team’s clash with Grand Slam winners Wales.

He had been due to be a TV commentator at Twickenham and was thought to have been on his way there when he was stopped, the British Press Association reported.

A spokesman for his club, Gloucester Rugby, said: “We are aware of a police incident involving Mike Tindall on Saturday. Until the full facts have been established neither the player or the club will be making any further comment at this time.”

Zara Phillips made an appearance at the Cheltenham Festival event today ahead of the Queen Mother champion chase hoping to turning heads.

Instead, it seemed the royal was taking fashion tips from a German oompah player as she appeared dressed in a pointy black trilby hat. She was joined by her boyfriend, England rugby player Mike Tindall, who is recovering after he bruised his liver in a horror fall while playing for England against Wales in February.

Zara said his injury was “quite worrying at the time”, adding: “All the doctors have made the point that it might have been a slightly different story if he had not been an extremely fit professional sportsman whose body was able to deal with injury so well.”

Tindall, who has resumed light training, hopes to make a full recovery by next month.

The Queen’s granddaughter has been eagerly awaiting the Cheltenham Festival and says she “can’t wait” for tomorrow’s Gold Cup clash between Kauto Star and Denman.

Of course, Zara also has her eyes set on her own riding success. Zara, who is also part of a longer programme aimed for London in 2012, added: “I love riding for my country.”

She appeared to be in high spirits as she made her way through the crowds today and has revealed she is now at ease being in the spotlight.

“I’m happier with being in the public eye now I’ve achieved something, rather than just for being born.” (via Daily Mail)

Zara Phillips has told how she and boyfriend Mike Tindall are more like telly’s Royale Family then her own…as they love to slob out in front of the box.

The Queen’s granddaughter, 12th in line to the throne, said: “We normally stay at home in the evening during the week. We watch telly and just chill out.

“I like CSI and Spooks – and I love Strictly Come Dancing.” Zara, 26, also told British Airways’ mag Business Life that England rugby ace Mike, 29, enjoys playing computer games, adding: “It can be annoying when you’re watching TV.”

But the bulk of each week for the Eventing World Champion is taken up with mucking out her horses and training for a place in this year’s Olympics.

The equestrian gold-medal hopeful revealed: “I’m happier with being in the public eye now I’ve achieved something, rather than just for being born. It’s nicer to be known for being successful.” (via Daily Mirror)

Zara Phillips has signed a £100,000 deal to become the new face of luxury watchmaker Rolex.

The first advert to feature the Queen’s granddaughter, in American fashion magazine Vanity Fair, shows her with Toytown, the horse on which she became world eventing champion in 2006.

Despite accusations of cashing in on her Royal status when she promoted Land Rover two years ago, as part of this deal Zara, 26, received three of the Swiss firm’s high-class watches, including the £6,000 Oyster Perpetual Lady-Date just shown in the advert.

Britain’s Zara Phillips’ rugby star boyfriend Mike Tindall is happy to be a “house husband”.

The former England rugby player – who met Zara during the semi-final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia – insists he would happily “stay at home with the kids” to allow Zara to continue her equestrian career.

He said: “I would happily not work, learn to cook and stay at home with the kids. As a champion showjumper Zara can go on for longer than I can. Why shouldn’t I stay at home?”

Mike, 29, also gushed he would love Zara – the daughter of Princess Anne and ex-husband Mark Phillips – even if she was a checkout girl and revealed they are both desperate to settle down and start a family.

He said: “I do believe in fate. If I hadn’t been dropped from the England team, I would never have met Zara. I am head over heels in love. Zara is the love of my life, no doubt.

“I would love her if she worked behind a checkout at Tescos. She just happens to be a princess.

“We want children but haven’t set a date yet. In an ideal world, you would want to get married first. I am a traditional man, but I will be a good dad. I will get stuck in, get up in the middle of the night and change nappies. I love children.”

The Gloucester rugby star, who lives with the 26-year-old princess on the Princess Royal’s Gloucestershire estate, also dismissed rumours Zara’s father does not approve of their relationship.

Mike said: “We are very good friends. We are spending Christmas at his house.

“The royals make it easy for me by being so normal. They are a very close family, no different from any other.” (via Cheers)