The Duchess of York is set to guest on the Oprah Winfrey show in an attempt to redeem her recent misdemeanours

Fergie, who has already appeared on Oprah in her role as spokesperson for WeightWatchers, is to talk to the daytime queen for around ten minutes, and will not be paid for her time.

With the cash-for-access to the royals scandal still fresh in the air, many have seen the move as risky, but insiders claim that the disgraced Duchess will use the airtime to plug her children’s books.

Fergie, 50, has apparently realised that her future lies on the other side of the Atlantic, and will use the time to try and repair her reputation ahead of potential future business opportunities. Sources close to the Duchess have reasoned that Fergie is trying to keep her American fans onside or else face final shame.

Fergie was recently filmed by an undercover cameraman, masquerading as an international tycoon, accepting a cash bung of £27,000. In return, she guaranteed access to the unpaid British trade envoy, her former husband Prince Andrew, who claims no knowledge of any such deal.

After widespread public rebuke, and a little sympathy, Fergie is banking on the millions of Oprah’s viewers lending her a sympathetic ear. She will do this by apologising to the prime time public for her behaviour claim friends.

Fergie agreed to the deal after being approached by producers at her Wednesday night book conference in New York, with taping scheduled for today and tomorrow ahead of a likely appearance next Tuesday. It is not known whether Fergie has travelled to the Chicago-based Oprah Studios or if she will appear via satellite link.

Tags: celebrity, Duchess of York, Fergie, Oprah Winfrey, Prince Andrew, royal family, Sarah Ferguson, US television