Duchess of York ‘poised’ to star in ads

New York ad agencies have been approached by representatives of the Duchess of York in an initiative that could see the scandal-hit Fergie star in her first advertisement.

The approaches are understood to have been made by the Next Model Agency, which signed the Duchess last month in a deal potentially worth 1m over the next three years.

Agency sources report that advances have been made to television and casting departments. “Agencies are concerned that the short-term publicity benefits could be outweighed by any potential damage from other news coverage of her life,” says one agency source.

But the development has been denied by the Duchess’ office. “It’s not happening,” says one of her assistants. “Certainly not at the moment. The Duchess of York is not being touted around advertising agencies.”

The Duchess of York, who also signed a 3m deal to write her memoirs last month, is believed to have debts of about 3m.