Kai Widdrington drag queen partner branded 'one to watch' as BBC Strictly star speaks out on Xmas special amid backlash

The duo will be competing for the festive Glitterball Trophy against the likes of Josh Widdecombe, Vogue Williams, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Tamzin Outhwaite, and Billy Monger alongside their respective pro partners.

Widdrington has shown he's clearly over the moon with the pairing thanks to his social media statements and he and Tayce even made a joint public appearance earlier this month at a movie premiere.

Tayce has also made no secret about their confidence heading into the Christmas special, claiming to It Takes Two host Fleur East that they'd pretty much nailed the routine with Widdrington in the rehearsal room after a few days working together.

And it's that confidence that led East's It Takes Two host Janette Manrara to agree Tayce is "one to watch" on Christmas Day when quizzed on the festive edition during Tuesday's Morning Live.

Speaking to Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley, the latter quickly put Manrara on the spot: "We've got to talk about the Strictly special, haven't we?

"The line-up has been announced, we're looking forward to Christmas Day... (it's) a good bunch!"

"A really good line-up for the Strictly Christmas special," Manrara replied before pointing to her trousers and adding: "Clearly excited as I came in the red tights to celebrate it.

"But look at them!" she added as the photos of the six stars popped on-screen. "They have no idea what they're just signed up for, they have no idea what's coming... although Tayce seems quite competitive, doesn't she?"

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Manrara looked inquisitively at the Morning Live hosts before she cryptically added: "So we'll see!"

"One to watch," Ackerley chipped in before Manrara continued: "I always say to them when they do the Christmas special it's a little taster of what's to come if they do the main show someday."

Fans will have to wait until Christmas Day to see if Widdrington and Tayce can emerge victorious against the other celebrities.

However, in the meantime, the pair have been ignoring criticism levelled by some fans against Tayce's appointment by BBC bosses.

Tayce has come under fire from some viewers due to their celebrity status, with one fan replying to the BBC Press Office's announcement on X, formerly Twitter: "Never heard of them."

A second accused the BBC of "barrel-scraping for celebrities" while others aired their opposition to a drag queen competing on the much-loved show.

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WATCH HERE: Tayce is unveiled as a contestant for the Strictly Christmas special

Some complaints centred on the idea that Strictly is a "family show" and, as such, drag performers wouldn't be suitable for younger audiences.

However, there has been plenty of support for Tayce amid the uproar, including one fan who argued directly: "This is amazing. It's about time we have drag queen on the show but what is not OK is the hate this hate needs to stop I'm super excited for the Christmas special of the show I love it."

And a second supporter echoed: "People in the comments complaining a drag queen is on a family show, yet I bet they happily take their kids to a pantomime at Christmas!" (sic)

Welsh-born Tayce ignored naysayers when unveiled as a contestant, telling the BBC: "I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly Ballroom floor. My partner and I are going to dance for our lives!

"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 disco balls."