A proposed television road trip series starring Sarah Ferguson and comedian Alan Carr has been indefinitely shelved due to recent scandals involving Prince Andrew and his ex-wife's past associations with Jeffrey Epstein.
The project, which would have seen Ferguson and Carr visit unusual global destinations, was in advanced stages of development. Sources indicated that a production company was involved and agents for both Ferguson, 66, and Carr, 50, were in detailed discussions.
The former Duchess of York reportedly invited Carr to lunch at Royal Lodge earlier this year to discuss the show. Friends described Ferguson and Carr as getting along well, with the idea for the travelogue-style series having been under discussion since 2023. During the lunch, they actively discussed the plans.
Carr, who won the first series of Celebrity Traitors, was also aware of the home's history, and upon meeting Prince Andrew, who was reportedly watching television on a sofa, Carr's reaction was described as being "on stalks." Carr had apparently attended the lunch partly out of curiosity to see Royal Lodge, in addition to pursuing a potential deal.
However, the show's prospects significantly diminished following new revelations concerning the extent of Prince Andrew and Ferguson's relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These revelations led to both Ferguson and Andrew facing public disgrace.
The project has now been placed on indefinite hold, with sources suggesting the idea has "run into the sand." Carr has reportedly not been in contact with either Ferguson or Andrew since the latest Epstein-related news emerged. Ferguson had previously appeared on Carr's podcast in 2023.
Prince Andrew has since moved to a farmhouse on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk after leaving Royal Lodge in early February. Sarah Ferguson has been in seclusion, with friends indicating she has gone somewhere quiet to "heal." Her exact location has not been widely disclosed, though reports suggest she may be renting a property near her eldest daughter Princess Beatrice's home in the Cotswolds or staying in a property belonging to her ex-boyfriend Paddy McNally.
Ferguson had reportedly been developing other TV concepts aimed at rehabilitating her public image, including a talent show and a reality series about the late Queen's corgis. However, progress on these projects is understood to have stalled during her period of absence.
In contrast, Alan Carr's career has continued to advance since his win on "Celebrity Traitors." He is involved in other television projects, including a series about his acquisition of Ayton Castle and a separate comedy travelogue series for Amazon's Prime Video, which will feature guests like Joanne McNally, Tom Allen, and Jack Dee. Sarah Ferguson is not involved in these projects.