Strictly Come Dancing history as Welsh star joins 2024 Christmas Special line-up

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist Tayce
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


The second star to sign up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing festive special has been revealed. The spin-off will see six stars take to the ballroom for a one-off episode on Christmas Day, to see if they have what it takes to impress the fierce judges.

It has been confirmed that RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist Tayce will be putting on her dancing shoes this winter as she appears on the BBC hit dance competition.

The Welsh-born star, 30, who is often dubbed the ‘Naomi Campbell of Drag’, will be paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, who did not compete with a celebrity partner in the 2024 series.

Tayce at Manchester Pride 2022
Tayce will be paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington -Credit:ASP

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Speaking about signing up for the show, Tayce said: “I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly Ballroom floor. My partner and I are going to dance for our lives!”

He continued: “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.”

Last year's champ, actor Jamie Borthwick, is currently competing on the main programme alongside pro partner Michelle Tsiakkas.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist Tayce
Tayce is often dubbed the ‘Naomi Campbell of Drag’, -Credit:BBC/World of Wonder/Ray Burmiston

The EastEnders actor, 30, had his first taste of the ballroom last Christmas when he partnered Nancy Xu for a Quickstep that saw him earn a whopping 40 points.

Now, Jamie is going from strength to strength in the competition and is one step closer to winning the iconic Glitterball Trophy.

He recently spoke candidly about the show's notorious "curse", discussing his relationship with dance partner Michelle.

While the pair have been impressing fans with their chemistry during routines, he says there is no risk of them falling for the so-called "curse".

Strictly Come Dancing's Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
Last year's champ, actor Jamie Borthwick, is currently competing on the main programme this year -Credit:BBC

The so-called curse has seen numerous stars from previous shows coupling up with the dancers in real life.

Speaking to Closer magazine, he said: "But with the old Strictly curse, you definitely ain't got no worries with Michelle. She's like a sister, mum and auntie all rolled into one. We've got sibling chemistry."

The actor has even taken Michelle to work as she explored Albert Square as he was eager for her to be shown around the famous sets.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day