BBC Strictly’s first drag queen star says backlash is ‘because I look hot’ in defiant statement ahead of debut
Tayce, the star of RuPaul’s Drag Race and now a Strictly Come Dancing contestant, has publicly addressed the furore surrounding their spot in the Christmas special line-up.
The Welsh performer will take to the floor alongside Strictly pro Kai Widdrington in the hopes of becoming not just the first drag star to compete but winning too.
Tayce will face competition in the form of Josh Widdicombe, Tamzin Outhwaite, Billy Monger, Vogue Williams, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in the festive edition.
The 30-year-old’s inclusion in the Christmas special line-up hasn’t come without its controversy, however.
After they were unveiled as the second confirmed star during an episode of It Takes Two earlier this year, disgruntled fans soon took to social media to complain about the appointment.
Complaints have ranged from a drag artist supposedly not being suitable for a typically “family-friendly” show to criticism of Tayce’s sassy and suggestive behaviour during their first interview with Fleur East.
However, both Widdrington and Tayce have been ignoring the outisde noise, putting on a united front when they stepped out to the premiere of the Hollywood musical Wicked last month.
And ahead of the episode of Christmas Day, Tayce has decided to address the backlash head-on, insisting it’s not dampening their spirits.
“I’ve seen hate, I’ve seen it’s controversial, it’s provocative but that’s all the things that I am I wouldn’t change that for the world,” Tayce said.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race star continued: “I think there was a lot of backlash from people being like, ‘Oh, it’s the man or they’re taking up a woman’s space’, and things like that.
“I think some people honestly just have a bit of a complex because I look hot and they can’t take it. It’s true,” Tayce remarked to Mail Online.
Speaking directly to those who’ve issued complaints, Tayce advised: “If you’re a bit angry and offended, I’m probably doing something right.
“At the end of the day, I was raised with good loving parents. And they always said, as long as you’re not hurting anybody and doing what you love there’s nothing more I can ask for.
“I’m a good person. I’m respectful. I might look a certain way. If you can’t handle that, that’s your problem. And any hate that I get online. There’s going to be hate and more. So bring it on. It’s going to make me dance harder.”
This isn’t the first time Tayce has acknowledged the controversy surrounding their appointment in the Strictly Christmas special.
Speaking to the BBC about the role, Tayce previously said: “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.
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“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, though there’s also been some negativity from trolls, but that’s nothing I can’t handle.”
Tayce has also had nothing but kind words to say about pro dancer Widdrington, branding him an “amazing and attentive teacher”.
“We also get on extremely well which is a bonus and adds to such great connection when dancing together,” Tayce said.
Looking ahead, Tayce has also made clear their desire for more drag stars to participate in the show.