Entertainment
Drag queen The Vivienne emotional after performing without ‘armour’ for first time in stripped-back Dancing On Ice routine-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro
‘There’s nowhere to hide.’
The Vivienne left us weeping with their stripped-back performance (Picture: ITV)
‘Twas an emotional night for The Vivienne on Dancing On Ice, as the drag star performed without their ‘armour’ for the first time.
The Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK favourite – real name James Lee Williams – took to the ice with professional partner Colin Grafton, skating to Halo by Beyonce for Icons Week.
There’s no denying their performance was moving, as James decided to go without his drag persona, stripping it back to basics to let the routine do all the talking.
Speaking during training ahead of taking to the ice, the TV star admitted they had nerves about being their vulnerable self in front of millions.
‘Drag is like my armour and superhero cape, which makes James invincible as The Vivienne,’ James shared.
‘But this time, there’s gonna be nothing to hide behind.’
The drag star performed without their ‘armour’ for the first time (Picture: ITV)
Despite a couple of stumbles, James and Colin achieved high scores from the panel (Picture: ITV)
The pair’s performance very nearly went without a hitch – but not quite, as there were a couple of stumbles.
During one lift, James and Colin almost took a tumble, but managed to claw it back, earning a very impressive score of 33.5 – their highest in the competition so far.
Chatting to host Holly Willoughby afterwards about their week, James said: ‘It’s been a really emotional week, getting ready to do this without my armour.’
James then revealed his shoulder ‘popped out’ this morning, but that didn’t stop him from putting on a show… although, something else almost did.
‘Then I had diarrhoea!’, he confessed, causing Phillip Schofield to grimace and admit it was TMI.
‘You nearly had a slush puppy!’, James continued, leaving audience members uncomfortable.
‘It’s been a hard week, but I’m so proud,’ he added.
‘Colin is my rock throughout this.’
It’s safe to say viewers at home were loving the performance as well, with one writing: ‘You can forgive a stumble if a routine is exceptional and this is the case for me for The Vivienne & Colin. That was a gorgeous routine.’
Another tweeted: ‘Apart from the mistake, that was a stunning routine – The Vivienne is wonderful and James is just as great’.
‘The Vivienne skating as James and not in drag in itself is inspiring. #DancingOnIce. @THEVIVIENNEUK that was a gorgeous routine,’ another praised.
Dancing On Ice continues Sunday on ITV1.
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