Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne addresses ‘attack’ on drag

Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne heartily thanked the viewing public for their support during Sunday’s semi-final episode, when she said her art of drag was “completely under attack.”

The former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, 30, real name James Williams, took to the rink for her Personal Skate after choosing the song Over The Rainbow from the 1939 film Wizard Of Oz to perform because it has a special place had in her heart.

After giving an elegant performance with her professional partner Colin Grafton, she expressed her gratitude for feeling welcome on the show and with series fans in a turbulent time for drag performers.

Referring to recent protests around the world against the telling of drag stories for children, The Vivienne thanked the public for their support and said, “Especially at a time when drag is under full attack, to show that drag is nothing but entertainment. We are nothing to be afraid of. We just want to have fun.’

Members of the public around the world have opposed events in public libraries and other venues where transvestites read children’s books and participate in other learning activities for youth and their families.

Prior to her Personal Skate, The Vivienne spoke about the emotional reason she chose Over The Rainbow for her performance.

She chose the song because it meant a lot to her since her childhood after seeing the 1939 musical film The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland.

She explained, “For my personal song, I’m going to skate Over the Rainbow.

“As a young boy I really fell in love with The Wizard of Oz because it just made me feel like anything was possible.

“I knew I was different, but I didn’t know what it was, but seeing Dorothy who knew there was a bigger world than Kansas definitely hit me.”

De Vivienne, who teams up with professional skater Colin Grafton on the show, further explained how she only started to feel comfortable in her own skin when she moved from Wales to a big city.

Having like-minded people around her allowed her to grow within herself and embrace her authentic identity.

She said: ‘I came out when I was 14 and moved to Liverpool when I was 16 and quickly found my tribe.

“It was a big sigh of relief that these people were just like me. And then I saw drag queens and thought “wow, I’m actually in Oz now!”

“It’s come full circle from little seven-year-old James who dreams of being Dorothy to now being able to play this song on ice.

“When people watch this performance, I hope they are transported to this happy place and whatever they are going through, just know that something wonderful is waiting for you over the rainbow. And you are a very special person who can endure anything.’

De Vivienne wore a dazzling pink and white mini dress that was adorned with shimmering sequins and jewels.

She got 9.5 points from Ashley, while the rest of the judges awarded 10 each.

The studio audience didn’t take it to heart that Ashley didn’t get the maximum points, but he insisted, “It’s a good grade!”

Earlier in the show, The Vivienne collapsed to the floor when she tumbled during the group’s Solo Skate.

Each celebrity performed for the first time on the series without their professional partner.

The routine started well until The Vivienne crashed on the ice when she tried to jump and landed on her knees.

She quickly climbed back up to continue the routine and appeared in high spirits as she spoke about the accident to show hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.

De Vivienne said, “My knees are a little sore, but I’m fine. We dance on ice. Things happen.’

Phillip chimed in, “That’s live skating for you.”

Lead Judge Christopher gave the feedback from the panel and revealed that The Vivienne had been placed last due to her stumbling and only received one point.

Dancing On Ice continues this Sunday on ITV1 and ITVX at 6.30pm.