I might look a certain way and if you can't handle it, that's your problem

Drag queen is ready to take on doubters

- NICOLA METHVEN

Drag queen Tayce Szura-Radix says appearing in the Strictly Christmas Special is one in the eye to all those who bullied or attacked him when he was growing up.

The former star of RuPaul's Drag Race UK says that he is delighted to be the first drag queen to take part in the hit BBC1 show and is dedicating his cha-cha-cha to his supportive family.

"My mum and dad are going to be there. They've been my avid supporters since day dot," he says.

"So for them to watch me grow up in Newport [South Wales], where I have been maybe bullied, kind of harassed, been spat on when I was young for walking around in crazy outfits, to now me being on a prestigious show like this, it's kind of a big, 'Ha ha ha to you', to the people that kind of doubted me.

"For my parents, who have seen me grow up in the face of adversity, to now watching me film on a show like this, it is full circle. So I am very proud of that."

Tayce, 30, says he knew his appearance on the show would cause controversy but he is fine with that.

"A part of me loves it," he says. "If you are a bit angry and offended, I am probably doing something right.