Kai Widdrington branded ‘amazing’ by BBC Strictly partner ‘breaking boundaries’ amid backlash to Christmas sign-up
Kai Widdrington may not have been given a partner on this year’s milestone BBC Strictly series, but he’s looking forward to featuring in the traditional Christmas Special episode.
It was revealed recently he had been coupled with drag performer Tayce, which has been the subject of backlash by some fans.
Following last weekend’s emotional grand finale, all eyes are now on Christmas Day Special episode.
As well as an array of comedians, athletes and actors, Tayce will be making their dancefloor debut alongside Widdrington.
In an interview ahead of the festive show special, the 30-year-old paid tribute to the Strictly favourite, who has starred on the show since 2021, labelling him “amazing”.
“Kai is amazing and such an attentive teacher, we also get on extremely well which is a bonus and adds to such great connection when dancing together,” they detailed.
Tayce found fame as a finalist on season two of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and has worked as a model and presenter for the likes of Sky, MTV and BBC Radio 1.
Their appointment to the Strictly Christmas Special saw some criticism online, with viewers accusing the show of “scraping the barrel” by signing up people they argue don’t qualify as “celebrities”.
In other instances, some complained about the inclusion of a drag artist on a family show, with another posting: “Oh please, please BBC, stop putting Drag everywhere. These people are mocking us (women)… Drag says that women are clowns.” (sic)
Widdrington, 29, seems to have ignored the negativity and recently shared a post indicating his excitement over the pairing.
Writing in response to Tayce’s It Takes Two interview, he penned: “NOONE is ready for this,” followed by a winking and fire emoji. (sic)
It’s clear the excitement is mutual, and when asked if they can dance, Tayce replied in an interview to the BBC: “Is the sky blue! Yes I can dance!”
Tayce’s confidence is promising, and fans will be able to see them in action this Christmas Day.
Detailing why they wanted to take part, the drag star touched on “breaking boundaries,” explaining: “It’s such an honour to be part of this amazing and highly popular show, pushing the envelope and breaking boundaries as the first drag queen to appear on it.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, though there’s also been some negativity from trolls, but that’s nothing I can’t handle.”
Reflecting on being the first drag artist on the show, Tayce commented: “I’m honoured to be the first and hopefully will pave the way to more drag icons partaking in the show.”
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When asked about the makeup and glamour of the show, Tayce commented: “I’m going to be collaborating heavily on my look, I’m a perfectionist and it needs to look perfect.
“If there were to be a best dresser contest I intend to ‘sleigh’ it.”