Drag performer Tayce has issued a defiant statement after receiving backlash to their spot in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special line-up.
The performer is the first drag artist to sign up to Strictly—both on the flagship series or specials—and has been partnered with Kai Widdrington for the occasion.
The RuPaul's Drag Race star will face stiff competition in the Christmas edition of the dance contest as they go head to head with the likes of Vogue Williams, Josh Widdicombe, Tamzin Outhwaite, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Billy Monger.
However, Tayce's spot in the line-up hasn't come without its controversy - before they've even stepped foot in the ballroom.
After it was announced Tayce would be taking to the dancefloor, some critics slammed the decision by BBC bosses as they branded the inclusion of a drag artist as unsuitable for a "family-friendly" show.
Tayce also faced criticism for their conduct when they were unveiled as a contestant on It Takes Two as they put on a sassy display when speaking to Fleur East.
BBC Strictly: Tayce and Kai Widdrington perform in the Christmas special
BBC
However, Widdrington has made it clear from the get-go he's been excited at the prospect of being paired with the show's first drag competitor, using social media to express his delight.
The two even stepped out together for a public appearance at the premiere of Wicked in Central London.
And It Takes Two host Janette Manrara has branded Tayce as "one to watch" ahead of the festive special.
But despite the backing of Widdrington, Manrara, and their fans, Tayce hasn't been immune to the complaints from some and has addressed the "negativity" in a new interview with the BBC.
BBC Strictly: Tayce and Kai Widdrington
BBC
Discussing why they decided to sign up to the show, Tayce told the corporation: "It's such an honour to be part of this amazing and highly popular show, pushing the envelope and breaking boundaries as the first drag queen to appear on it."
Addressing the backlash, they defiantly added "The response has been overwhelmingly positive, though there’s also been some negativity from trolls, but that’s nothing I can’t handle."
Tayce was also asked if they were excited to be partnered with fan-favourite Widdrington for the occasion.
"Very! Kai is amazing and such an attentive teacher," Tayce replied. "We also get on extremely well which is a bonus and adds to such great connection when dancing together."
Reflecting on flying the flag for drag performers, Tayce described the accolade of being the first to do so on Strictly as "fantastic".
They added: "I’m honoured to be the first and hopefully will pave the way to more drag icons partaking in the show."
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Tayce was introduced to Strictly fans during It Takes Two earlier this year where the drag queen was so excited by the news their "wig almost came off".
When asked how "ready" they were for the ballroom, Tayce confidently replied: "Oh, mumma. I think the question is are they ready for me?"
Tayce promised to bring the "electric", "drama", "passion", "fashion" and "je ne sais quoi" to the dancefloor before unveiling Widdrington as their celebrity partner.
"I love him. We had an amazing day the other day rehearsing, day one, and I've got honestly most of the routine down already, so buckle up princess, it's going to be a bumpy ride," Tayce said, prompting laughter from East.
Widdrington and Tayce will be performing to Kylie Minogue track A Hundred Degrees when they take to the ballroom for the first time.
"Oh, I can't wait for Kai to spin me around like the light, little, gorgeous model that I am but honestly, it's in the name of the song, A Hundred Degrees and I'm gonna turn up the heat, so let's go!" Tayce defiantly added.
