Ferguson: 'I was desperate for cash'

Sarah Ferguson has claimed that her initial involvement in a recent cash sting came as a result of trying to help a friend who was in need of quick cash.

In an interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the Duchess admitted that helping the unnamed friend was her first goal, but she also decided to ask for nearly $725,000 (£494,311) for herself after accruing serious debts.

"I was so out of control with desperation where I'd reached a point of no return," she said.

She also watched the taped encounter in full for the first time during the interview.

"I feel sorry for her. She looks exhausted," she said after seeing herself.

Ferguson recently admitted that she had been drinking during the time of the sting.