Tayce, the popular drag artist from ‘RuPaul's Drag Race’, has made history by winning the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2024 Christmas Special alongside her professional dance partner, Kai Widdrington. The dynamic duo captivated the judges and the audience with their electrifying Cha-Cha to Kylie and Dannii Minogue’s festive hit ‘100 Degrees’. Their performance earned them the coveted perfect score of 40 out of 40, solidifying their place as Christmas champions.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the Christmas Special showcased star-studded performances, where Tayce and Kai stood out among formidable competitors like comedian Josh Widdicombe and dance partner Karen Hauer, TV presenter Vogue Williams with Gorka Márquez, actress Tamzin Outhwaite dancing with Nikita Kuzmin, racing driver Billy Monger paired with Nadiya Bychkova, and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey performing with Nancy Xu.
The judges—Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and the head judge Shirley Ballas—were effusive with their praise for Tayce and Kai’s performance. Revel Horwood lauded it as "absolutely fierce, serving realness, serving fabulous," highlighting the artistic excellence displayed during the routine.
This Christmas special began with all contestants participating in a lively group performance to ‘I Love Christmas’ from the musical Scrooge, setting the festive mood before they showcased their individual dances. For the grand finale, the show closed with the iconic Leona Lewis rendition of ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day’, which featured all celebrities and their dance partners.
Despite facing some backlash for her participation as the first drag artist on the show, Tayce remained upbeat and vocal about her experience. After being crowned the winner, she expressed her delight saying, "Honestly surreal, I felt like it feels like a dream... I'm so happy I couldn't make it up, I am speechless. Thank you so much!" Tayce has always been candid about the online trolling she encountered leading up to the competition, stating, "I've seen hate... but that's all the things I am. I wouldn't change it for the world. I think some people... have a bit of a complex because I look hot and they can't take it. It's true."
Tayce’s partner, Kai Widdrington, reflected positively on their collaboration, emphasizing the importance of dance as an art form rather than focusing on gender norms. He stated, "Dancing is about dancing; it's not male female or whatever they choose to be. It doesn't bother me. Tayce will tell you we get on like a house on fire. I think it's fantastic she is the flag bearer for the drag community." He also made headlines with his performance and upcoming participation in Channel 4’s Celebrity Hundred event, showcasing his versatility as both a dancer and entertainer.
During the special, other contestants did not shy away from stealing the spotlight either. For example, Josh Widdicombe and Karen Hauer dressed as penguins and nailed their Charleston routine, earning laughter and applause. Judge Anton Du Beke remarked, “It has finally happened, the moment has come. Karen has turned to me. It was totally, totally brilliant.” This light-hearted atmosphere provided balance to the evening’s competing dances.
The special not only featured exceptional dancing but also highlighted its role as a platform for representation. Tayce hopes her triumph will encourage more drag icons to partake in mainstream shows like Strictly, emphasizing the significance of her historic participation. She noted, "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 positive public response reassured her and showcased the ability of television to evolve, becoming more inclusive.
The festive atmosphere of the program, combined with the challenges and celebrations of each performer, captivated viewers and fans alike. The blend of dance, music, and emotion exemplifies why Strictly Come Dancing continues to resonate with so many, especially at Christmas time. Tayce's win symbolizes joy, diversity, and representation, leaving audiences buzzing about the possibilities for future seasons.
The 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly Come Dancing is now available for streaming on iPlayer, inviting fans to relive the magic and memorable performances from this year's festive celebrations. With its blend of heartwarming moments and dazzling talent, it's no wonder the show remains one of Britain's favorite holiday specials.
