Tayce, the first drag artist to compete on Strictly Come Dancing, has won the iconic BBC show’s Christmas special, making history during the festive celebration. The Welsh drag queen, known for her extraordinary charisma and exceptional skills, captured the audience's hearts and the judges' admiration with her vibrant performance.
During the pre-recorded episode aired on Christmas Day, Tayce partnered with professional dancer Kai Widdrington to perform the Cha Cha to Kylie and Dannii Minogue’s scintillated track “100 Degrees.” Their performance not only dazzled the studio audience but also secured them perfect scores, with each of the judges—Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas—awarding the duo 10 points.
The Christmas special featured six new celebrity participants, each strutting their stuff on the dance floor. Alongside Tayce and Kai were comedian Josh Widdicombe with Karen Hauer, podcaster Vogue Williams with Gorka Márquez, actor Tamzin Outhwaite with Nikita Kuzmin, racing driver Billy Monger with Nadiya Bychkova, and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey with Nancy Xu. The event kicked off with a group dance routine celebrating the holiday spirit, showcasing the competitors’ festive flair.
Tayce expressed her honor at being part of such a celebrated show, stating, "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." Her achievement is particularly significant not just for her, but for many drag artists and fans, as it symbolizes inclusivity within mainstream media.
Tayce's professional partner, Kai Widdrington, praised their connection, saying, "We also get on extremely well which is a bonus and adds to such great connection when dancing together." This chemistry was reflected on the dance floor, winning over judges and viewers alike.
Ahead of the special, Tayce had emphasized her excitement to showcase her talents, noting, "I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly Ballroom floor!" She also thanked her supporters and expressed hopes of paving the way for future drag performers on the show. With her father, Roger Radix, having famously worked with the pop duo Wham!, Tayce has been surrounded by artistry and performance her whole life.
During the Christmas special, the overarching spirit was one of joy and celebration. The show included not only the dazzling performances from the celebrity contestants but also featured holiday favorites like the song “I Love Christmas” from Scrooge and the singing of Leona Lewis during the closing performance of "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day."
Despite the glitz and rewards, Tayce admitted some challenges faced her along the way. While she received overwhelming support from fans, she candidly mentioned dealing with negativity from some online trolls, stating, "the response has been overwhelmingly positive, though there’s been some negativity from trolls, but that's nothing I can't handle." This resilience showcases her empowering spirit, making her not just a phenomenal performer but also an inspiring representative of the drag community.
The episode brought together audiences from various backgrounds to celebrate talent, inclusivity, and diversity, all under the sparkle and cheer of the Christmas festivities. Viewers were left mesmerized by the performances and the exceptional showcase of talents on one of television’s most cherished programs.
With her win, Tayce not only holds the crown of being the first drag artist champion of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special but also opens doors for future participants from the drag community. Her 2024 victory may mark the beginning of broader representation on such prominent platforms, encouraging more diversity and visibility within entertainment.
Fans are already buzzing for the next season, hoping to see Tayce back, with many speculating about whether she might join the main series of the show. For now, she has lifted the trophy, inspired countless viewers, and reminded everyone of the joy, love, and acceptance drag culture embodies.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, so those who missed the live airing can still enjoy the stunning performances from Tayce and her fellow celebrity dancers this festive season.
