Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne addresses ‘attack’ on drag
Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne sincerely thanked the public for their support during Sunday’s semi-final episode, as she said her drag art was “totally under attack”.
The 30-year-old former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, whose real name is James Williams, took to the rink for his Personal Skate having chosen the song Over The Rainbow from the 1939 film Wizard Of Oz to perform, as it held a special place in his heart.
After putting on a stylish performance with fellow pro Colin Grafton, she expressed her gratitude for feeling welcome on the show and with fans of the series amid a turbulent time for drag performers.
Referring to the recent worldwide protests against children’s drag storytelling events, The Vivienne thanked the audience for their support, saying: “Especially at a time when drag is under attack, to show that drag It’s just entertainment.” We are nothing to fear. We just want to have fun.
Members of the public around the world have spoken out against events in public libraries and other venues that involve drag queens reading children’s books and engaging in other learning activities for young people and their families.
Speaking: Dancing On Ice’s The Vivienne heartfeltly thanked the audience for their support during Sunday’s semi-final episode when she said her drag art was ‘totally under attack’ (pictured with fellow pro Colin Grafton)
Before her Personal Skate, Vivienne talked about the emotional reason why she chose Over The Rainbow for her performance.
She chose the song because it meant a lot to her from her childhood after seeing the 1939 musical film The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland.
She explained: ‘For my personal song, I’m going to skate on the rainbow.
“As a kid, I really fell in love with The Wizard of Oz because it made me feel like anything was possible.
“I knew it was different, but I didn’t know what it was, but seeing Dorothy, who knew there was a bigger world out there than Kansas, definitely hit me.”
Vivienne, who is partnered with professional skateboarder Colin Grafton on the show, explained how it wasn’t until she moved from Wales to a big city that she started to feel comfortable in her own skin.
Being surrounded by like-minded people allowed her to grow into herself and embrace her true identity.
She said: ‘I left at 14 and moved to Liverpool when I was 16 and quickly found my tribe.
Grateful: She expressed her gratitude for feeling welcomed on the show and with fans of the series amid a turbulent time for drag performers right now.
‘It was a huge sigh of relief that these people were exactly like me. And then I saw drag queens and I thought “wow, I’m really in Oz now!”
“It’s a crazy full circle from seven-year-old James dreaming of being Dorothy to now being able to perform this song on ice.
“When people see this performance, I hope they feel transported to this happy place and whatever they are going through, they know that beyond the rainbow there is something fabulous waiting for them. And you are a very special person who can overcome anything.
Vivienne rocked a stunning pink and white mini dress that was embellished with sparkling sequins and jewels.
Ashley awarded her 9.5 points, while the rest of the judges awarded 10 each.
The studio audience didn’t take seriously that Ashley didn’t give her the maximum number of points, but insisted, “That’s a good grade!”
Fatal Mistake: Earlier in the episode, Vivienne crashed into the ice while trying to jump, landing on her knees.
Crashing: Vivienne said: ‘My knees hurt a little bit, but I’m fine. We are dancing on ice. Things happen’
Earlier on the show, Vivienne crashed to the ground when she fell during the group’s Solo Skate.
Each celebrity performed without their professional partner for the first time in the series.
The routine got off to a good start until Vivienne crashed into the ice while trying to jump, landing on her knees.
She quickly got to her feet to continue the routine and seemed in good spirits as she discussed the mishap with presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
All the stars: (L-R) Siva, Nile Wilson, The Vivienne, Joey Essex and Mollie Gallagher are seen before taking to the court for the group performance without their fellow pros.
Vivienne said: ‘My knees hurt a bit, but I’m fine. We are dancing on ice. Things happen.’
Phillip chimed in: “That’s live skating for you.”
Giving the panel’s comments, Head Judge Christopher revealed that Vivienne had placed last due to her stumble, receiving only one point.
Dancing On Ice continues next Sunday on ITV1 and ITVX at 6:30 p.m.
DANCING ON ICE 2023: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
PATSY PALMER
AGE: fifty
PROFESSION: actress and dj
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: “I’ve turned it down before because I was terrified, but when I turned 50 I made a pact to get out of my confrontation zone. ‘
EKIN-SU CULCULOGLU
AGE: 28
PROFESSION: love island star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I have incredible news to tell you. I’m so excited, I can’t wait to get on the ice and skate. Stay tuned and see you on the ice.
mollie gallagher
AGE: 24
PROFESSION: Actress
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: “I don’t have the best coordination, so when people find out they’ll laugh, but I don’t want to spend my life saying ‘I can’t do this, I can’t do that’.”
JOEY ESSEX
AGE: 32
PROFESSION: Former TOWIE star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m so excited. I wanted something in my life with structure and it’s more serious than I usually do.’
carley stenson
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: Actress and West End star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m so excited to be able to learn to dance…on ice! I’m terrified but I can’t wait, I just want to make the most of this whole experience.”
SIVA KANESWARAN
AGE: 33
PROFESSION: Singer
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: “I want to learn to skate and make my family proud of me and put on a show for all to see.”
John Fashanu
AGE: 60
PROFESSION: Former footballer and expert
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m definitely in it to win it. And this may be one of the scariest things I’ve ever signed up for, but I couldn’t be more up for the challenge!’
NILE WILSON
AGE: 26
PROFESSION: olympic gymnast
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I haven’t ice skated a lot, but I’m very excited for the opportunity. I’m so excited to get into that routine and feel like an athlete again.’
JAMES LEE WILLIAM AKA LA VIVIENNE
AGE: 29
PROFESSION: drag queen
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: “To be the first drag performer to take part in one of the UK’s biggest reality competitions is an honor and a big step forward for queer representation on television.’
DARREN HARRIOT
PROFESSION: Funny
AGE: 3. 4
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I have giant feet, I don’t skate and I can’t dance. My family has already placed bets, they are betting that I will fall in the first episode!
MICHELLE HEATON
AGE: 43
PROFESSION: Singer
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: “I’ve always wanted to do it, but I know I never would have been able to complete anything because of the shape I was in 18 months ago, so I’m really thankful that I got it done this year when I’m here.” much stronger.