Drag Queen Tayce Wins Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
In a glittering moment for Strictly Come Dancing, Tayce, the competition’s first-ever drag queen contestant, has claimed victory in this year’s Christmas special. Paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, Tayce delivered a show-stopping cha-cha to "100 Degrees" by Kylie and Dannii Minogue, earning tens across the board from the judges.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood described the performance as "absolutely fierce, serving realness, serving fab-u-lous," solidifying Tayce’s place in Strictly history.
The pair triumphed over a star-studded lineup of contestants, including comedian Josh Widdicombe, actor Tamzin Outhwaite, DJ and podcaster Vogue Williams, Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and former racing driver Billy Monger, to lift the coveted trophy.
A New Trophy for Tayce
Hailing from Newport, South Wales, the 30-year-old Tayce is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for her stunning performances on RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2, where she finished as runner-up to Lawrence Chaney in 2020, Tayce now adds a Strictly title to her achievements.
Reflecting on the moment, Tayce’s win is a milestone not only for the competition but also for greater representation on one of Britain’s most beloved television shows.
A Festive Night of Dance and Celebration
The Christmas special kicked off with a group number featuring all the celebrities and their professional partners dancing to "I Love Christmas" from the film Scrooge. The festive spirit carried through the night, culminating in a heartwarming closing routine to Leona Lewis’s rendition of I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day.
Judges’ Celebrations and Emotional Moments
Judge Anton Du Beke took a moment to honor Karen Hauer, celebrating her achievement as Strictly’s longest-serving professional dancer. "Karen has turned into me!" he joked.
The winners were decided based on a combination of studio audience votes and judges' scores, culminating in Tayce and Kai Widdrington's groundbreaking victory.
Another Year, Another Milestone
Tayce’s triumph follows last year’s Christmas special win by EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. This year’s Strictly series also broke barriers with blind comedian Chris McCausland, who took home the trophy.
Tayce’s success is more than a personal victory; it’s a momentous milestone for inclusivity and representation in entertainment, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer on the Strictly stage.