Six LGBTQIA+ artists are set to release a single in tribute to The Vivienne.

Bentley Robles, Bimini, Eden Hunter, Janethan and Tia Kofi have joined forces on ‘Your Light Will Shine’, with all proceeds benefiting Switchboard, the national LGBTQIA+ support line that recently marked its 50th anniversary.

Due for release on 17 September, the song was written by The Vivienne’s close friend and manager, Simon Jones, who said he wanted to honour the late Drag Race UK winner’s “lasting legacy” while also raising “vital funds for a charity that does so much for our community”.

“Viv was a trailblazer and a one off, and in this song we celebrate their life but also remind everyone that right now we need to be united as a community and fight for our love more than ever,” he said in a statement.

“I’m so grateful to the amazing music artists who have given their time and talent to create this beautiful pop song.”

The Vivienne — born James Lee Williams — tragically passed away in January 2025 after suffering a cardiac arrest associated with a ketamine overdose.

Last month, World of Wonder released a documentary titled Dear Viv, celebrating her trailblazing legacy within the Drag Race franchise — from her historic win as the first UK champion to her return as the first international queen to compete on a U.S. season, All Stars 7.

BBC

Directed by Pete Williams, the film includes interviews with the star’s loved ones, including the following Drag Race stars: Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, Crystal, Danny Beard, Michael Marouli, Monét X Change, Raja, Tia Kofi and Trinity the Tuck.

Dear Viv also addresses the circumstances surrounding her death, particularly in light of her sister Chanel Williams becoming an outspoken advocate against ketamine use in the months since.

In a statement, World of Wonder co-founder Fenton Bailey said: “I think it’s really important not to shy away from that, not only because there wasn’t anyone more full of life than The Viv… but I think it’s important for people to know that the dangers of drugs. There’s no judgment here at all.

“But I think there is no harm in telling the truth, and I also believe Viv would really want that. Viv would not want us to hide anything.”

Dear Viv is now streaming in the UK on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, and internationally on WOW Presents Plus.

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Drag Race Down Under has officially been confirmed for its own Vs the World spin-off – and alumni are “kinda gagged”.

On 26 August, Stan – the show’s network in Australia – announced that Australasian queens will be “stepping onto the global stage”, with Michelle Visage returning as host and Rhys Nicholson as judge.

Rounding out the panel is Lazy Susan, who conquered Down Under’s fourth season — the first with Visage as host following RuPaul’s departure.

“LET’S DO THIS!” commented Visage, later writing in her own post that “MAMA’S HERE” and she is “beyond thrilled, excited and honored to be at the helm once again” for the first season of Drag Race Down Under vs the World.

“I can’t WAIT to see the very best in drag that the globe has to offer! What a treasure to behold!” she added. “Are you ready Rhys Nicholson and Lazy Susan? Cuz I AM.”

On Stan’s post, a plethora of alumni across the franchise celebrated the news – and even expressed interest in competing.

“I’ll bring some french pastry if you want it,” wrote La Briochée (France season one), while Eve 6000 (Canada season two) said she’ll “take the flight lowkey”.

Ilona Verley (Canada season one) seemingly vied for a spot too as she said “hi” to Down Under’s ETCETERA ETCETERA (season one) and Molly Poppinz (season two). Lina Galore, season three winner of Drag Race Italia, commented that Italian queens are “READY!”

 

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In a statement, World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato said: “We couldn’t be more excited to expand the Drag Race legacy. We are going totally Glocal as local legends face off against global icons.

“Down Under vs the World promises a season packed with unfiltered moments, fashion, and lip syncs that will leave no lash unglued.”

This marks the fourth official Vs the World series, after UK vs the World (seasons won by Blu Hydrangea and Tia Kofi) and Canada’s Drag Race vs the World (won by Ra’Jah O’Hara and Lemon).

The series will stream on WOW Presents Plus in the U.S. and select territories, while airing simultaneously on Stan in Australia.

 

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The BBC is set to air a documentary spotlighting the life and legacy of the late Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne.

Produced by World of Wonder, the production company behind the Drag Race franchise, Dear Viv will premiere on 28 August on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, and will also be available internationally via WOW Presents Plus.

The Vivienne – born James Lee Williams – tragically passed away in January 2025 following a cardiac arrest, which was reported to be caused by the effects of ketamine.

The hour-long film will explore The Vivienne’s trailblazing legacy within the Drag Race universe, including her historic win as the inaugural Drag Race UK champion and her return as the first international queen to compete on a U.S. season: All Stars 7, the franchise’s first-ever all-winners edition.

The documentary is also expected to celebrate her wider contributions to entertainment, from making history as the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice to her West End debut as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.

Directed by Pete Williams, a producer on WOW’s long-running UNHhhh series, Dear Viv will include interviews with the star’s loved ones, including the following Drag Race stars: Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, Crystal, Danny Beard, Michael Marouli, Monét X Change, Raja, Tia Kofi and Trinity the Tuck.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, World of Wonder co-founder Fenton Bailey explained the importance of having the aforementioned queens involved as “relationships that form on the show are real and continue in real life”.

“The queens who were with Viv on Drag Race, you are in a fishbowl together for a protracted period of time,” he said.

“Yes, it’s a competition, [but] the camaraderie and the bonding that happens in the workroom is really extraordinary. … It just seem[ed like] who better than to talk about The Viv than other queens from Drag Race? It’s a real community, a very strong community.”

BBC

Additionally, the documentary will feature archival clips from The Vivienne’s appearances on Drag Race UK season one and All Stars 7. It will also address the circumstances surrounding her death, particularly in light of her sister Chanel Williams becoming an outspoken advocate against ketamine use in the months since.

Bailey said: “I think it’s really important not to shy away from that, not only because there wasn’t anyone more full of life than The Viv, … but I think it’s important for people to know that the dangers of drugs. There’s no judgment here at all.

“But I think there is no harm in telling the truth, and I also believe Viv would really want that. Viv would not want us to hide anything.”

Bailey added that he hopes the documentary will leave fans feeling “inspired”: “When I think of The Viv, I just think of this sort of bright light, and I get this warm feeling.

“And I think that’s what I would love anyone who watches this film to feel touched by and feel that as they go about their life, whatever they’re doing, drag queen or not, that they have a little bit of a lift, or a tiger in the tank, because that was Viv.

“And as sad as it is that The Viv was taken from us so young, oh my God, how much she gave people. It’s just unbelievable. Personally, I hope that wherever she is, The Viv gets to see this film [in] some way, shape or form. And I hope that she would love it as much as we loved her, as much as we do love her.”

Click here to see tributes to The Vivienne and fans celebrating her most iconic pop culture moments.

The post The Vivienne: BBC to air tribute documentary honouring Drag Race UK icon appeared first on GAY TIMES.

AJ Bediako, a former Brit Crew member on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, has reportedly passed away.

On May 28, a statement from his teammates at the London Knights Basketball Club shared their heartbreak over the death of their “teammate, friend and much loved member of our family”.

The club, which is the UK’s first gay and inclusive basketball team, praised Bediako as a “core part of the London Knights” whose “uplifting energy, constant support and beaming smile lit up every room he walked into”.

“In his role as club secretary, he gave so much to our community and played a huge part in shaping our club into the place it is today. His passing leaves a huge hole in our club and in our lives,” they wrote.

“Last night at training, we came together to remember AJ and hold space for each other. We send our deepest condolences to his family, his partner Gabe, our teammates, his friends, and everyone who was lucky enough to know him.”

 

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The London Knights concluded: “Rest in peace, AJ. You will be missed immensely and will always be part of the Knights.”

Bediako was one of the original ‘Brit Crew’ members on the first-ever season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, appearing in episodes three, five and six.

According to his Instagram, he worked as a certified fitness coach, offering lessons online and in person at F45 Training Brixton and PureGym Clapham. In his bio, he proudly displayed that he was “O.G. BritCrew”.

As an actor, he appeared alongside Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth in The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016) as a Huntsman, as well as in episodes of Venus vs. Mars (2015) and One Crazy Thing (2016).

Bediako previously discussed his coming out journey in a video interview for It Gets Better, an LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organisation whose mission is to “uplift, empower and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth around the globe”.

@itgetsbetter_uk Happy new year! 🎉 We’re entering this new year with positivity as we recall this heartwarming video of AJ Bediako, member of the Brit Crew from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 1. From coming out to his older brothers, to close friends, he found that “they loved me for who I was as a person”, and this was the beginning of things getting better. 🌈 🙌 Have you had your own ‘It Gets Better’ experience? Share it with us through the link in our bio. Let’s inspire more LGBTQ+ youth, together. #GayUK #LGBTQStories #ItGetsBetterUK #DragRaceUK ♬ original sound – itgetsbetteruk

“My teenage years were very hard and confusing because I grew up in a church and everybody knew everyone,” he reflected. “I had an inkling that I was different to other people. I knew I was attracted to guys. Around the time of YouTube popping up, that’s when I started to get more information about different lifestyles.”

Bediako said he came out to his two older brothers and classmates on his media course, which was “the beginning of it getting better”: “They loved me because I was AJ. They loved me for who I was as a person. Even if you feel like people do not love you right now, there will always be people that love you. You are perfect the way you are.”

In the London Knights’ Instagram post, Drag Race UK alumni such as Tia Kofi, Pixie Polite and Cheryl shared their condolences, with Pixie remembering how “kind and supportive” he was, and Cheryl saying: “We will love you always AJ.”

Others remembered Bediako as the “kindest, friendliest, warmest of people” and a “legend”.

Our thoughts are with AJ Bediako’s loved ones during this heartbreaking time.

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Heartwarming tributes for Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente have started to roll in after her shocking death.

On 27 April, Caliente’s family announced with “profound sorrow” that the drag icon, whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, had “passed away peacefully” at 4:42 a.m. “surrounded by her loving family and close friends.” She was 44.

The statement from her family reads: “A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity.

“She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world. Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light.

“Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.”

The touching post concluded: “She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered. In Loving Memory of Bianca Castro-Arebejo (Jiggly Caliente) November 29, 1980 – April 27, 2025.”

Since the tragic news was announced, a multitude of Caliente’s Drag Race peers have flocked to social media to share emotional tributes for the late star.

“My jiggles. The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. You were and remain so very loved. This world has lost an angel and we want you to soar high… I love you so much, honey,” said staple Drag Race judge Michelle Visage.

Jiggly’s season four sister and best friend, Jaremi – formerly known as Phi Phi O’Hara – shared a heartbreaking statement to his X/Twitter account.

“My heart breaks just writing this… I dreaded to have to finally share this message… holding onto this news has been awful and heartbreaking. I haven’t been able to eat or sleep… truly I have been just a shell for the person I was prior to this tragedy,” he wrote.

 

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“I’ve cried more than ever, and the pain I’ve felt is something I’ve never felt before. I’m truly, and honestly… not okay right now. Two days ago… I rushed to the hospital to hold my best friend’s hand one last time as I wish her on her way to a place where she is no longer in pain.

“We played her a goodbye song as the nurses and doctors rolled her bed through those double doors… and image I will never get out of my head. I love you, Jiggly… God, I love you so much, you were and will always be my best friend.”

Drag Race Thailand’s Pangina Heals echoed similar sentiments, praising Jiggly for being a “real friend”.

“You are such a cheerleader to so many people, including me, and I cannot believe you are gone. I will always miss your laughter and how much you make me laugh. I will miss you, my friend,” she wrote.

In a heartwarming post on Instagram, Bob the Drag Queen opened up about the first time she met Jiggly, which she said happened at season 10 star Yuhau Hamasaki’s 21st birthday party.

I love you pic.twitter.com/hgNdAw02AS

— Jaremi (@JustJaremi) April 27, 2025

“She was standing in the corner fixing her ponytail in the star corner of the dressing room at a nightclub called The Web. We didn’t know each other, but I wanted to tell her what a good job she did in the show. I watched as she danced DOWN,” she wrote.

“It was a two-story nightclub with a balcony over the dance floor/ performance space, and I remember the shower of money falling over her while she performed a Missy Elliot megamix.

“She loved NYC, hip-hop, and men lol. I was lucky enough to tour, laugh, and cry with Jiggly over the years. I’ll miss our random calls to talk shit and laugh about stuff I could never share here. I loved watching you go from NYC Star to international drag sensation. We lost a real one today. Sis, you really did ‘retire with the crown.'”

Drag Race season 17 star Joella also paid tribute to Jiggly by recounting their first-ever meeting, praising the late talent for being a “huge inspiration”.

“A few months before my season aired, Jiggly had me in an all-Asian drag show during DragCon, and it honestly was the first time I felt like I belonged in the Rugirl family. Everyone treated me so kind, and it was insane to see the woman I saw myself in on TV welcoming me,” she wrote on X/Twitter.

 

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“Jiggly has been such a big inspiration for me. She’s one of the ones who let me believe I could achieve my dreams. I would ponder for so long of Drag Race would ever happen for me, and seeing another big Asian girl on there really helped me believe in myself. I love you, Jiggly forever.”

Lastly, the official RuPaul’s Drag Race Instagram page honoured Jiggly’s incredible impact, writing: “We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family. Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay—always. We’re holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.”

Caliente first rose to fame as a breakout star on the fourth season of Drag Race (2012), winning over fans and judges alike with her lovable, larger-than-life personality. She also delivered one of the franchise’s most unforgettable moments when she lip-synced to Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic‘ in her now-iconic “Baked Potato Couture.”

After coming out as a trans woman in 2016, Caliente made a name for herself as an actress, starring in acclaimed shows like Broad City, Search Party, and Pose, the latter of which she recurred on for 12 episodes as Veronica Ferocity.

In 2021, Caliente made her long-awaited Drag Race return for the sixth season of All Stars. Although her stint was short-lived, she later transitioned from contestant to judge on the highly acclaimed Filipino spin-off.

See below for more heartwarming tributes to the late, great Jiggly Caliente.

 

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I am heartbroken over this news. @JigglyCaliente4 you were a real friend. You are such a cheerleader to so many people including me and I cannot believe you are gone. I will always miss your laughter and how much you make me laugh. I will miss you my friend. pic.twitter.com/LK8hX6zAC9

— Pangina Heals (@PanginaHeals) April 27, 2025

jiggly has been such big inspiration for me. shes one of the ones who let me believe i could achieve my dreams. i would ponder for so long of dragrace would ever happen for me and seeing another big asian girl on there really helped me believe in myself. i love you jiggly forever

— joella 🖤🩷 (@theslaysiandiva) April 27, 2025

 

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I’m still processing not getting to text you or call you to talk about life and drag and men and the latest gossip. You kept the sisterhood together, reminding us we have eachother and we should uplift one another with support. Your legacy will always live on. I love you big sis. pic.twitter.com/deVor0vXQa

— OLIVIA LUX (MUGLER) (@TheOliviaLux) April 27, 2025

 

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When you get started as a Ru girl a lot of alumni interact with you one or two ways. @JigglyCaliente4 was one of the first queens to show me how to treat fellow sisters. Initiated support in the dm’s, days of catty voice memos, immediately felt like family. We will miss you sis

— ❄️Denali❄️ (@denalifox) April 27, 2025

 

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We have lost a beautiful, kind, genuine soul. Bianca/Jiggly was someone I came to for advice, I looked up to, who gave me support when it was most needed and, I cannot lie, was always there for a good gossip! Rest in Power diva, you will be missed so much 💖 pic.twitter.com/10DQ7kP74K

— Tia Kofi (@TiaKofi) April 27, 2025

I Adore You So Much Jiggly ! I Remember Being A Little Gay Boy Watching You On Season 4 Turning The Party 🥺🩷 I Love You Shady Bitchh 🩷 You Will Be Missed So Much 💔 https://t.co/5ew9AyhrCK

— Jorgemosa 💋 (@Jorgeous_1) April 27, 2025

 

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rest in power to an icon of our community; we will always remember you for the joy you spread and the legacy you created 💞🥺 We love you Jiggly Caliente 💞🫧🫧💞🫧🫧💞 pic.twitter.com/tBFVmXkiZn

— Jewels Sparkles (@jewelssparkles_) April 27, 2025

Jiggly 😭 I am so so so sad. it’s not fair 😔 Bianca lit up EVERY room she walked in. her smile and spirit are palpable. whether she was throwing shade or giving you a hug, she was a SISTER. she prioritized community and i will never ever forget that. rest easy sister pic.twitter.com/DTHmZ9FWrP

— Jan Sport 💜 (@janjanjan) April 27, 2025

Jiggly was the fiercest, funniest, most loyal friend I’ve ever had. Over the past 11 years she taught me to stand up for myself, held me accountable when necessary, and never failed to make me laugh til I cried… Grateful I got to say goodbye, heartbroken I had to. Shattered. 💔 pic.twitter.com/lZMkePqf0k

— Ginger Minj (@TheGingerMinj) April 27, 2025

RIP Jiggly Caliente, your quotes and legacy are going to make generations smile and laugh for a very long time 😞 pic.twitter.com/Ckr8WFzeey

— David (@WrittenByDavid) April 27, 2025

Jiggly Caliente was one of the first trans women that made me feel seen. i remember stumbling across S4 and seeing this for the first time as a young teenager and being so inspired and seen.

Jiggly was such a gift. my heart aches. even though she didn’t know me, i loved her sm. pic.twitter.com/01ADdX9eNk

— ᴍꜱ. ꜱʜᴇᴀ 🏳️‍⚧️ (@thesheafuqua) April 27, 2025

Rest in power Jiggly Caliente! Deuces to you icon! pic.twitter.com/qIvttvWn7g

— 🍨🧜🏻‍♂️ (@wavydreamboat1) April 27, 2025

You will always be iconic. Rest in peace, Bianca Castro aka Jiggly Caliente 🕊️💔 pic.twitter.com/jXgmiNbCjS

— Kieran (@imkierantiu) April 27, 2025

R.I.P Jiggly Caliente. My heart is broken from this. Rest easy Beautiful 🧡✨#rupaulsdragrace #jigglycaliente pic.twitter.com/Qszo88vrLs

— Always (@alwayzpost) April 27, 2025

she was known for so much more than just this, but jiggly caliente will always be the most iconic apocalyptic baked potato ever. rest in peace queen 💔 pic.twitter.com/SPnQtsGhWD

— o-n🌛 (@thefloorsonfire) April 27, 2025

We were just talking…..

It’s been a tough morning and I can’t help but cry. I lost one of my people this morning, someone I called family.

Rest in Peaceful Bliss Jiggly Caliente(Bianca Castro). 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/raTTnIpJSz

— Matty Rants (@themattyrants) April 27, 2025

this reddit comment about jiggly caliente made me tear up 🙁 may she rest well pic.twitter.com/PtbtMYVpcw

— lesbian mothman 🇵🇸 (@verysmallriver) April 27, 2025

REST PEACEFULLY JIGGLY CALIENTE, YOU’LL FOREVER BE AN ICON #DragRace #DragRacePH pic.twitter.com/G7mQlN82w2

— Émerson (@joeshooker) April 27, 2025

Her legacy will never be forgotten. We love you, Jiggly Caliente. May the world call you ICON! 🖤🥀 pic.twitter.com/qDTDNUpsny

— ADUT ✰ (@adutbadboy) April 27, 2025

Rest In Peace Bianca Castro

Thank you for all the years of entertainment as Jiggly Caliente. Your story and legacy will live on forever and inspire many generations to come ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kCyS1gpiTx

— My Name Is James (@_JamesGtfo) April 27, 2025

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Jiggly Caliente, one of the most legendary queens in RuPaul’s Drag Race herstory, has tragically passed away.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Caliente had experienced “a serious health setback” due to a severe infection, during which she was hospitalised and had to undergo the amputation of most of her right leg.

On 27 April, Caliente’s family announced with “profound sorrow” that the drag icon, whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, had “passed away peacefully” at 4:42 a.m. that same day, “surrounded by her loving family and close friends.” She was 44.

The statement from her family reads: “A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity.

“She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world. Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light.

“Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.”

The touching tribute concluded: “She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered. In Loving Memory of Bianca Castro-Arebejo (Jiggly Caliente) November 29, 1980 – April 27, 2025.”

News of Caliente’s death was met with shock and sadness from thousands of fans, celebrities and Drag Race stars, such as Cheryl, Courtney Act, Copper Topp, Crystal Envy, Envy Peru, Jaida Essence Hall, Kate Butch, Laganja Estranja, Mariah, Miss Fame, Pangina Heals and Tia Kofi.

Caliente first rose to fame as a breakout star on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race (2012), winning over fans and judges alike with her lovable, larger-than-life personality. She also delivered one of the franchise’s most unforgettable moments when she lip-synced to Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ in her now-iconic “Baked Potato Couture.”

After coming out as a trans woman in 2016, Caliente made a name for herself as an actress, starring in acclaimed shows like Broad City, Search Party, and Pose, the latter of which she recurred on for 12 episodes as Veronica Ferocity.

In 2021, Caliente made her long-awaited Drag Race return for the sixth season of All Stars. While her stint was short-lived, she later transitioned from contestant to judge on the lauded Filipino spin-off. 

Our hearts go out to Jiggly Caliente’s friends and family during this incredibly difficult time.⁠

 

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Tayce has made Strictly Come Dancing herstory.

On 12 November, the Drag Race UK star was announced for the 2024 Christmas Special, becoming the first drag artist to appear as a Strictly contestant in the process.

“I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly Ballroom floor. My partner and I are going to dance for our lives!” said Tayce.

“In all seriousness, it’s an incredible honour to be the first Drag artist to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing. I hope I do all of my Drag Race and Welsh fans proud! Sign me up for all the glitz, glam and discoballs.”

The BBC also said in a statement. “Expect festive cheer, jingle bells, mistletoe madness, bedazzling baubles and six celebrities all sleighing their way to Elstree in a bid to be crowned the Strictly Christmas Champion 2024.”

Tayce will be paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, who conquered the 2022 Christmas Special. Their song will be ‘A Hundred Degrees’ by Kylie Minogue.

During her appearance on Strictly: It Takes Two, Tayce told host Fleur East that she will “bring the electric, the drama, the je-ne-sais-quoi, the passion and the fashion”, adding: “I’ve honestly got most of the routine down already, so buckle up princess because it’s going to be a bumpy ride!”

The remaining contestants will be announced on Strictly: It Takes Two “in due course”.

 

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Tayce memorably rose to fame as a contestant on the second season of Drag Race UK (2020), where she cemented her status as one of the franchise’s fiercest lip-sync assassins. She ultimately placed runner-up to Lawrence Chaney.

Following her stint on the series, the “Naomi Campbell of Drag” signed with Europe’s largest modelling agency, Models 1, and subsequently walked for brands such as Richard Quinn, The Blonds and EgonLab and modelled for Jean Paul Gaultier.

Since 2021, Tayce has co-hosted the MTV series Queerpiphany, which returns for a fourth season later this month, alongside trans activist Munroe Bergdorf. She has also launched her music career with the acclaimed rap anthem ‘Swagzilla’.

Tayce’s historic participation on Strictly was met with overwhelming praise from Drag Race alumni such as Bimini, Danny Beard, Divina De Campo, Ella Vaday, Envy Peru, Jaida Essence Hall, Kitty Scott-Claus, Kween Kong, Le Fil, Lemon, Michael Marouli, Morphine Love Dion and Tia Kofi.

Drag Race UK judge Michelle Visage referenced her controversial elimination from Strictly‘s 17th season as she joked: “DON’T VOGUE.”

Courtney Act, who placed runner-up on the Australian version of Dancing with the Stars, wrote: “If I wasn’t so jealous I’d be happy for you.”

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2024 airs Christmas Day on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

 

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Tia Kofi has revealed some shocking details about the UK vs the World season two finale.

Earlier this year, the fandom was treated to the second entry of the popular Drag Race UK spin-off.

Like its predecessor, 11 fierce fan-favourites from across the ever-expanding franchise returned to the workroom to duke it out for the title of ‘Queen of the Mothertucking World’.

After seven episodes of epic and hilarious challenges, the final four queens –Hannah Conda, La Grande Dame, Marina Summers and Tia – were tasked with lip syncing for the crown during the grand finale.

Unsurprisingly, the three smackdowns were absolutely epic, with the ladies performing tracks by Anastacia, Booty Luv and Kylie Minogue.

Ultimately, Tia proved victorious, securing the crown, sceptre and £50,000 cash prize.

While the South London-based queen absolutely served throughout the Lip Sync Smackdown, her time in the finale was almost cut short.

During a recent interview on the A Gay and A Non Gay podcast, Tia revealed that she was on the verge of eliminating herself halfway through the challenge.

“So after I lip synced against La Grande Dame, I cried backstage when they were making the decision,” she explained.

@gaynongay Head of the Queen Team, Wendy saves the day, slay 👏✨ @tiakofi @Dan Hudson @jamesbarrcomedy Listen to the full episode now by searching ‘A Gay and a NonGay’ wherever you listen 🎙️ #gaynongay #rupaul #dragraceuk #dragqueen #tiakofi #gaypodcast ♬ original sound – A Gay and A NonGay

“I turned to one of the ‘Queen Team,’ who looked after us, and I said if I win this lip sync, I have to give my place to Marina [Summers], right? and they were like, ‘What are you talking about?’ and I was like, ‘She deserved to be in the final… I have to give up my place.'”

Tia went on to say that the head of the ‘Queen Team,’ Wendy, calmed her nerves and reassured her that she deserved her place in the final two.

“She came up to me and went, ‘What are you talking about? You have worked as hard as anyone else to be here. How dare you say that? If you win the lip sync, you’re going to the final,'” she continued.

“I was like, ‘Okay, work, Wendy’. I was going to full like BenDeLaCreme myself.”

Toward the end of her statement, Tia jokingly requested the hosts to not share the interview with RuPaul – adding that she’s not ungrateful; she just has a lot of anxiety problems.

In addition to snagging the crown and title of ‘Queen of the Mothertucking World’, the 34-year-old talent became the first queen of colour to win a Drag Race UK season. 

Check out Tia’s full interview here.

The post Drag Race’s Tia Kofi shares shocking behind-the-scenes details on UK vs the World finale appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Ginger Johnson says her new BBC series is a perfect encapsulation of what resides in her “great big head”.

Following her win on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK last year, the Northern comedian has unleashed a camp six-part series, Ginger’s House, in which she invites familiar faces over to kiki and – as an “incredibly lazy” person – assist her with household chores.

Featuring appearances from queens such as Tia Kofi, Kate Butch, Cara Melle, Danny Beard and Miss Naomi Carter, Ginger describes the series as “half-sitcom, half-chat show” due to its hybrid scripted and unscripted format.

“Each episode is scripted by me, and there are certain gags, ideas and visual jokes that I wanted to include within it, but the guests at my house had no idea what they were walking into,” Ginger tells GAY TIMES. 

“They knew they were coming around to Ginger’s house for a cup of tea, then we’d improv through story beats I had written. It was a moving, natural thing, and that was because I wanted to get the real personalities of the guests in.

“That’s partly why they’re not in drag, I want people to see how they interact with Ginger in mad scenarios.”

The aforementioned scenarios include the death of Ginger’s hamster Samantha Mumba (named after the ‘Always Come Back To Your Love’ icon of the same name), preparing horses for a competition, picking out the perfect new nose and unblocking a toilet.

 

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“If you cracked open my great big head and had a look inside, you would find a semi-detached house of drag queens doing the most ridiculous things,” says Ginger, who was heavily inspired by The Mrs. Merton Show, Pee-wee’s Playhouse and Sesame Street. 

“There’s also those elements of classic British sitcom that I, as a human and a performer, grew up on. And there’s a brightly coloured cartoon element to Ginger that looks like she’s been coloured in by a five-year-old. So, there’s an element of bizarre!”

One of Ginger’s aims with the show was to allow her audience to discover more about her character, particularly as most fans only know her brand of comedy from the confines of a reality competition series.

“[Drag Race UK is a] very different place to be,” she says. “Ginger’s House is more chill. I wanted it to feel like people are going to their favourite auntie’s house. I just love talking to and playing with other people, and that’s what it was like on set.

 

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“It was just everybody constantly trying to make each other laugh. And it was important for me to bring other people in because, I might have won Drag Race, but you’ve got to share the wealth. It makes it a more exciting experience for everybody.”

In addition to the series, Ginger will be embarking on a second leg of the Angels of the North Tour alongside her Drag Race UK finalists (and Northern besties) Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas.

Between December and January, she will also star in TuckShop’s all-drag line-up of Peter Pan. 

Ginger’s House airs every Thursday in the UK on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer and in international territories on WOW Presents Plus.

The first four episodes, featuring Cara Melle, Kate Butch, Miss Naomi Carter, Danny Beard and Tia Kofi, are available to stream now.

The post Drag Race UK winner Ginger Johnson talks ‘bizarre, ridiculous and cartoony’ new series appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Hi… Tia Kofi has unveiled a stunning new single for the release of Heartstopper season three.

On the dreamy synthpop anthem ‘The First Time’, the Drag Race UK star sings about falling in love as a queer person, with emotive lyrics such as: “I don’t wanna hide. Made myself afraid to be alone. With you, you there by my side, I know I can find my way back home.”

The single serves as the theme tune for Heartstopper: The Official Netflix Podcast, which launches 2 September. It will also be hosted by Tia, who memorably made history as Drag Race UK‘s first POC champion when she conquered UK vs the World earlier this year.

According to the teaser, the podcast will be “packed full of exclusives” as she interviews stars such as Joe Locke, Kit Connor, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Yasmin Finney, William Gao, Tobie Donovan and Rhea Norwood.

“I’ve been a massive fan of Heartstopper ever since it debuted on Netflix, so I am blown away that I’m now the host of the Heartstopper Official Podcast! Not only that, but I also get my ‘write the theme tune, sing the theme tune’ moment, as well,” Tia told GAY TIMES.

“It’s a really personal song written about experiencing love as if it’s the first time. For me, it was about recovering from a heartbreak and finding someone that, as Atomic Kitten once said, can “make you whole again”.

“The song makes you feel all the warm and fuzzy feelings that you get watching Nick and Charlie’s blossoming romance on screen.”

Tia continued to gush about the podcast, saying that it’s a must for all Heartstopper fans to “get the scoop on all things season three, behind-the-scenes gossip and some camp fun with all your faves”.

The third season of Heartstopper premieres 3 October on Netflix and will follow Charlie (Locke) as he tries to “tell Nick that he loves him,” while Nick (Connor) “also has something important to say to Charlie”.

 

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“As the summer holiday ends and the months race on, the friends begin to realise that the school year will come with both its joys and its challenges,” reads the official synopsis.

“As they learn more about each other and their relationships, plan social events and parties and start thinking about university choices, everyone must learn to lean on those they love when life doesn’t go to plan.”

The post Drag Race winner Tia Kofi releases dreamy new Heartstopper single ‘The First Time’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.