I have done a search and have found a couple of threads advising that they are there for a reason. (to help the chassis with it having 17" wheels)

I am wanting to purchase a new TV and need to remove 1 strut to fit it into the car, has anyone actually removed these for a short period of time? I would only be removing them for a 20min drive home (15miles).

am i right in assuming you mean the strut brace between the 2 rear shocker towers in the boot area ?

if yes , i see no reason why you should not be able to remove it , especially as you say its only going to be for 20 mins

AFAIK its there stiffen the rear of the shell , and as you're not doing a track day with the tele in the back there shouldn't be a problem with excess body flex

The boot might be bigger than you think?

How big's the tv?

I got a large 32" in mine a couple years ago, though did have to take it out of the box first!

I don't buy this "braces help with 17" rims". I guess the true reason is that with the vRS suspension, the back end is a bit sloppy and a bit iron work helps stiffen up vertical movement at the top of the wheel arches where the dampers attach to the body work. I'm certain that no harm will come to you or your car should you remove them. They were obviously an afterthought, perhaps more for sportly looks than use, because they are only bolted down on the outside edges because you can't get an Allen key to the inner bolts, so clearly not very sensibly designed anyhow.