Pippa Middleton has been uncharacteristically forthcoming lately -- in writing, that is. Even though the new author is tirelessly shilling her party-planning book Celebrate, we've yet to hear her speak. So it is with an enormous grain of salt that we take the latest Pipupdate: the duchess' sister is in talks to host "The Today Show."
Yes, really. The UK Mirror is reporting that NBC is eyeing Pippa for a royal correspondent position. For 20 annual appearances, the network is reportedly willing to offer the media rookie $600,000, the very same amount that Penguin Group advanced the 29-year-old to write the straight-to-bargain-bin guide. This coincidence couldn't have been too far from NBC executives' minds, since they reportedly "went cool on Pippa" after Celebrate tanked and only regained interest when Kate Middleton announced her pregnancy. According to the Mirror's source:
“NBC senior figures will bill this job to Pippa as a special correspondent in 2013. They see her appeal as huge as she is linked to the Royal Family and because of her popularity following the wedding when pictures of her went worldwide. A couple of offers are on the table, but they would like her to make as many as 20 appearances reporting on Royal-themed events like the Chelsea Flower Show, the opening of Buckingham Palace and Opera House nights... The offer gives Pippa the chance to have editorial input on what she says, and as most of this work would be pre-recorded she would not be caught out.”
While we don't like to give too much credence to the rumor mill, the idea of this one is particularly entertaining. Would Pippa engage in awkward, witty banter with Matt Lauer? Would "Today" let her wear her signature bronzer and eyeliner? Will she dish on insider palace happenings? Don't get too excited about the last one though. “[Pippa] will not focus on intimate Royal matters like Wills and Kate’s move to London, Harry’s return from war and the family Christmas," the source also revealed. Fiiiiiine.
Obviously, people love to poke fun at the almost-royal -- even Pippa gets in on the joke sometimes. But the tight-lipped socialite has managed to avoid any major sit down interview thus far. (Remember the supposed bidding war networks had trying to land a coveted interview with Pippa?) So would it be a good move for her to begin her foray into American media on the opposite side of the coin?
Hey, we're not against the idea. It's certainly unconventional, but since Pippa hasn't been opposed to joining the ranks of print journalists, maybe she'll fit right in with Savannah Guthrie and co. Besides, after her book fiasco, there's really nowhere to go but up.
If this is true, we're guessing she wont be taking the bait. But what do you think of the idea of Pippa Middleton becoming a television host? Is it just another piece of gossip?
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