Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special to Feature First Drag Queen Competitor

The Christmas Special of Strictly Come Dancing will mark a new milestone in its two-decade history by featuring its inaugural drag queen competitor. Tayce, a native of Newport in south Wales, previously advanced to the final of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK in 2020 and is now aiming to win the festive glitterball trophy. She will be partnered with professional dancer Kai Widdrington and will compete against a lineup of celebrity contenders. These include comedian Josh Widdicombe, presenter and fitness expert Vogue Williams, Gladiator and Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, actress Tamzin Outhwaite, and racing driver and television presenter Billy Monger. Tayce expressed pride in being the first drag artist to participate in the series, stating her intention to challenge potential criticism of her involvement. Tayce commented: “It’s such an honour and a privilege to be pushing the boundaries as the first drag queen on the show because it’s been on for so many years.”Some people may not agree and think drag is overtly sexual and not something that should be on prime-time television, but there’s nothing sexualised about it.”Drag has been around for centuries whether people like it or not, so I think this may open people’s eyes a bit and give them a different view.” Tayce, who is an experienced street dancer, also mentioned that she plans to watch the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special alongside her family in Newport. This includes her father, Roger, who served as the original bass player for Wham! and contributed to songs such as Wham Rap and Wake Me Up Before You Go Go. She noted that her parents consistently provided immense support for her identity. She recounted: “”My mum let me wear what I wanted and I remember going to McDonalds as a kid wearing a feather boa around my waist, little sashes, wigs and heels – just because it was fun. “We need more parents like that because I’ve got friends who’ve been exiled or kicked out of their houses [over who they are].”” Tayce disclosed that she developed an excellent rapport with her Strictly dance partner, Kai Waddrington. She stated: “”He put me through my paces and I put him through his,” she said. “He had to take a breather and do some stretches, because I come into the room like a ball of energy.”I’ve always been that way – I like to light up the room.”” The interview featuring Tayce with Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales initially aired on Saturday and can be accessed on BBC Sounds. The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will be available for viewing on iPlayer and BBC One, commencing at 15:55 GMT on Christmas Day. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their external linking policy is available.