RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner announced for Dancing On Ice
The Vivienne won the first ever series of Drag Race UK
James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne, is the latest celeb to be announced for the 2023 series of ITV entertainment show Dancing On Ice.
The Vivienne, who won the first ever series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK back in 2019, announced the exciting news on social media on Friday 7th October.
The Vivienne told fans: 'I'm beyond excited to announce that I will be competing in Dancing on Ice in 2023! This is honestly a dream come true and I can't wait to start training on the ice.
'To be the first drag artist to take part in one of the big UK reality competition shows is truly an honour. I think it's a big step forward for queer representation on TV. @dancingonice @itv #dancingonice'. (sic)
As The Vivienne is the first ever Drag Queen to have signed up for Dancing On Ice, fans were thrilled and took to the comments section to express their love.
One wrote: 'How fabulous! Congrats Viv, you’ll be getting my vote', with another adding: 'Wow thats amazing news i be rooting for you for sure 😍❤️'. (sic)
A third then wrote: 'Aww you are going to be brilliant ❤️❤️❤️', with a fourth commenting: 'Yessssss. My favourite already, will be cheering for you <3 ❤️❤️'. (sic)
Check out all of the celebs announced for Dancing On Ice 2023 so far:
Nile Wilson
Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson revealed the exciting news that he had joined the Dancing On Ice line-up on his YouTube channel, where he said: "I'm going to be on ITV's Dancing on Ice! This is a really cool thing. I've certainly not done much ice-skating but I am so excited for the opportunity. I'm so excited to get into that routine and to feel like an athlete again."
Joey Essex
Reality TV legend Joey Essex is feeling very competitive after signing up! He said on This Morning: "I would love to win. I'm going to put all my energy into this. This stage in my life, I'm so ready for this."
The Vivienne
RuPaul Drag Race UK series one winner The Vivienne has also signed up for the show, writing on social media: 'I'm beyond excited to announce that I will be competing in Dancing on Ice in 2023! This is honestly a dream come true and I can't wait to start training on the ice. To be the first drag artist to take part in one of the big UK reality competition shows is truly an honour. I think it's a big step forward for queer representation on TV.'
Mollie Gallagher - ELIMINATED
Coronation Street actress Mollie Gallagher will be taking to the ice this winter. She announced that she had joined the show while on Lorraine, where she said: "I'm really excited. I've not really felt nervous yet, strangely. But being here today, I am now feeling it a little bit!"
She added that she will be seeking advice from her Coronation Street co-stars, saying: "I'll be getting all the tips I can because I'm going to need it!"
Siva Kaneswaran - ELIMINATED
The Wanted singer Siva Kaneswaran completes the line-up. He told Good Morning Britain: "I'm very excited. I'm trying to be positive and not be in a fearful mindset! I'm looking forward to meeting all the cast. I want to learn how to skate and make my family proud of me and put on a show for everyone to see and hopefully not make a fool of myself!"
Carley Stenson - ELIMINATED
Former Hollyoaks actress Carley said of joining the line-up: "I'm so excited that I get to learn how to dance...on ice! I'm terrified but can't wait - I just want to make the most of this whole experience."
Darren Harriott - ELIMINATED
Comedian Darren revealing the news to Trisha Goddard on Talk TV, Darren said: "I've got giant feet, I don't skate and I can't dance! My family has already made bets - they're making bets that I'll fall on the first episode!"
Patsy Palmer - ELIMINATED
50-year-old Patsy Palmer has joined the 2023 series, she's best known for her portrayal of Bianca Jackson in EastEnders. She said: "I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. I thought 'I'll just go for it' and it seems like a lot of fun.
"My pact that I made with myself when I was 50 was I have to do things to challenge myself for the next couple of years. This is for all the 50 year-olds out there that think they can't challenge themselves!"
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu - ELIMINATED
Love Island fans were over the moon when 2022 winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu was announced! Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Ekin-Su said: "I've got some amazing news to tell you, I'm going to be doing this year's Dancing on Ice! I'm so excited, I can't wait to get myself on the ice and skate. Stay tuned and see you on the ice!"
Michelle Heaton - ELIMINATED
Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton was the 10th celeb to be announced. Speaking to Lorraine Kelly, she said: "I'm so excited - I can't believe it. Me and the kids are such huge fans of the show in general. I've always wanted to do it but I know I would never have been able to complete anything because of the way I was 18 months ago, so I'm really truly grateful that I've got it this year when I'm a lot stronger."
John Fashanu - ELIMINATED
Former footballer turned TV host John Fashanu was the second celeb to be announced for the 2023 series, with the 60-year-old saying: "I'm so excited to be a part of Dancing on Ice! I don't think it'll come as a surprise to people that I'm very competitive - I am definitely in it to win it. And this may be one of the scariest things I've ever signed up for but I couldn't be more ready for the challenge!"
Welsh Drag Queen The Vivienne was the first ever person to be appointed the UK RuPaul's Drag Race ambassador in 2015, before going on to win the first ever series in 2019.
The Vivienne later returned to compete in the seventh series of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars alongside the likes of Jinkx Monsoon, Yvie Oddly and Jaida Essence Hall.
Appearances on hit shows Celebrity Juice and the Christmas edition of The Great British Sewing Bee are also on The Vivienne's CV.
More celebrities are set to be announced in due course.
Dancing On Ice will return to ITV in January 2023.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Dancing On Ice 2023
Dancing On Ice: A recap of the 2022 series
All of the Dancing On Ice winners to date