Mike Tindall

Mike Tindall

Mike Tindall has reportedly signed up for 'The Jump'.

The retired rugby star - who is married to the Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips - will be the first member of the Royal Family to appear on reality TV after agreeing to compete on the second series of the Channel 4 show.

The 36-year-old athlete will go up against a number of other celebrities in the ski jumping challenge but it's thought he will have had to ask his wife's family for their permission before signing up.

A source shared: "Mike is his own man but now he is so closely linked to the monarchy he must be aware of how his actions are seen by the public.

"The Jump is a bit of fun but he might be made to look silly. Last year it attracted some low-rent celebrities. It's likely to be similar this time."

The second series of 'The Jump' - which last year featured celebrities including former 'The Only Way Is Essex' star Amy Childs and Simon Cowell's close friend and ex-girlfriend Sinitta - will be filmed at the ski resort of Innsbruck in Austria and producers are said to be thrilled to have persuaded Mike to take part.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: "This is a real coup for Channel 4. They had to pay a lot of money but they think it's a good investment.

"Getting a member of the Royal Family - even if it is by marriage - is an amazing achievement."

'The X Factor' 2009 winner Joe McElderry fought off stiff competition from Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave and TV presenter Donal MacIntyre to be crowned winner of the first series of 'The Jump' earlier this year.