Blue star Duncan James performs in striking drag to raise money for cancer research-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

Blue star Duncan James performed in full drag to raise money for cancer research (Picture: Rex/Backgrid

Duncan James looked a world away from his early days squeaky-clean boy band image this week as he performed in drag to raise money for charity.

The singer rose to fame in the noughties as a member of the group Blue, along with bandmates Antony Costa, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe.

Blue enjoyed massive success in the UK, and in 2022 reunited for their anniversary, much to the delight of fans.

And society has changed since the four men first got together to start the band.

Back when Blue first hit the airwaves, Duncan, who is gay, was afraid to come out, and recently spoke about how he pretended to date Spice Girls’ Geri Halliwell in order to hide his sexuality.

Now happily in a relationship with long-term boyfriend Rodrigo, Duncan is unapologetically himself, and this week took to the state in full drag to raise vital funds for charity research.

The pop legend belted out the tunes in a striking corset and black wig (Picture: Backgrid)

Duncan recently spoke about how he was ‘relieved’ by rumours he was dating Geri Halliwell as he felt unable to come out as gay in the noughties (Picture: Getty Images)

The Breathe Easy singer performed in London in a brilliant get-up including a long black-and-red wig, along with a leather corset and leather underwear, fishnet tights and high heels.

Made up in striking dark eyeliner and daring red lipstick, the musician belted out the tunes as part of the Jog On Cancer campaign.

Duncan appeared in London’s Proud Cabaret venue as part of the Cabaret All Stars production, joined by a cast of back-up dancers.

Duncan previously hid his sexuality and recently spoke of his joy at being able to perform in drag without judgement (Picture: Backgrid)

The star was joined by a cast of back-up dancers for the joyous charity event (Picture: Backgrid)

Having initially come out as bisexual in a 2009 interview, Duncan privately came out to his bandmate Simon as gay in 2012, before he told his mum.

He recently spoke to The Mirror about how comfortable he now feels in his own skin after hiding his true self for years.

‘I was playing Pride with Blue and feeling such a hypocrite because everyone was celebrating their sexuality and I was still in the closet,’ he explained.

‘Now I’m performing Blue hits and songs from musical theatre in full drag. I love it!’

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Duncan credits boyfriend Rodrigo with helping him feel ‘really comfortable’ about his sexuality, with the pair now together for four years.

‘He was the first partner I had who wasn’t ashamed to hold my hand,’ he said.

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