Tayce, the first drag queen competitor on Strictly Come Dancing, and her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington emerged victorious in this year’s Christmas special.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood lauded their cha-cha to “100 Degrees” by Kylie and Dannii Minogue, describing it as “absolutely fierce, serving realness, serving fab-u-lous.”
The duo achieved perfect scores for their performance, surpassing competitors, including comedian Josh Widdicombe, actor Tamzin Outhwaite, DJ and podcaster Vogue Williams, Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and former racing driver Billy Monger to claim the trophy.
Tayce, hailing from Newport in South Wales, participated in the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2020. Although Scotland’s Lawrence Chaney ultimately bested her, she has since secured a trophy.
The holiday special started with a collaborative performance featuring celebrities alongside their dance partners, set to “I Love Christmas” from the Scrooge film. The event concluded with a final number showcasing Leona Lewis’s rendition of “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day.”
After executing their routine, Widdicombe and his professional dance partner Karen Hauer received an impressive 36 out of 40 score. Strictly judge Anton Du Beke expressed his astonishment, describing the performance as “totally, totally brilliant.”
Du Beke, a fixture on Strictly since its inaugural series in 2004, initially as a professional dancer and later as a judge, conveyed a message for Hauer.
The long-awaited moment has arrived. Karen has transformed into my reflection. She holds the title of the longest-serving professional on Strictly, a remarkable achievement that deserves heartfelt congratulations.
Irish television personality Vogue Williams and her dance partner Gorka Marquez showcased their skills on the dance floor with a lively “Rocking’ Robin” performance by Bobby Day. Their routine received a score of 33.
Former EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite and dancer Nikita Kuzmin showcased their skills with a Viennese waltz, performing to KD Lang’s rendition of “Hallelujah.”
Du Beke said it resembled his “favorite sherry trifle at Christmas.”
Billy Monger and Nadiya Bychkova took to the dance floor to perform the American Smooth. They showcased their skills to the festive tune of “Merry Christmas,” a collaboration between Ed Sheeran and Sir Elton John.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known for his role in Gladiators and as an Olympian, showcased his dance skills alongside partner Nancy Xu, performing a street commercial routine to the Glee cast’s rendition of “Christmas Wrapping.”
The winners were announced after the studio audience votes, and the judges’ evaluations were integrated.
Jamie Borthwick, the EastEnders actor who clinched victory in last year’s special, returned to compete in this year’s edition of the BBC One dance competition.
Tayce, 30, has made history on Strictly as the first drag artist to compete and emerge victorious in the show’s storied legacy.
This year’s competition captured attention with a notable milestone, as blind contestant and comedian Chris McCausland took home the trophy.
