Drag queen who met CBB's India Willoughby speaks out over her 'phobia'
She claimed she's scared of drag queens in the house
Author: Carl SmithPublished 10th Jan 2018
India Willoughby's caused quite the stir in the Celebrity Big Brother house over her views on drag queen culture. After she compared her 'phobia' of drag artists to a fear of clowns as RuPaul's Drag Race star Courtney Act joined the line-up last week, some eagle-eyed viewers raised the fact she posed for photos with drag queens at a Pride festival last year.
Now, as some brand India 'fake', drag queen Crudi Dench reckons she 'seemed fine' when they met back in May 2017.
When fellow housemate and The Apprentice star Andrew Brady received a drag makeover from Shane Jenek, India announced, "I have a phobia of drag queens. My heart is racing. As long as he doesn't pester me. It's nothing personal against Andrew.
"I've got shades on. I might shut my eyes. I don't want it to look like homophobia because it's not, it's the drag act."
Drag queen Crudi Dench is having none of it, though. After they were pictured together, he took to Twitter to say, 'I mean... India seemed fine with me when I said I was a drag queen.. #CBB #cbbuk'.
When another user asked 'How was she in person btw?' Crudi replied, 'She was really lovely! She was chatty and wanted photos so we obliged!'
India's already faced quite the backlash over her claims, with one viewer tweeting, 'I have stopped watching this show now unfortunately, India's behaviour is disgusting, fake,rude and pathetic, shame really because there are some great housemates in the house but in the background' sic.
In other Celebrity Big Brother news, India and former Love Island star Jonny Mitchell will face the first eviction later this week after live face-to-face nominations took place on last night's show.
Viewers will be given the chance to vote to save either India or Jonny, the housemate with the least votes will be evicted during Friday night's live show with Emma Willis.
Find out more about the 2018 CBB housemates below:
Amanda Barrie
Amanda Barrie is an English actress who is best known for playing the role of Alma Sedgewick in Coronation Street. She has played a number of iconic female characters throughout her career, making her a national treasure.
Drag queen who met CBB's India Willoughby speaks out over her 'phobia'
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Andrew Brady
Andrew Brady appeared on the 13th series of The Apprentice and describes himself as "flirty, funny and sometimes offensive".
Amanda Barrie
Amanda Barrie is an English actress who is best known for playing the role of Alma Sedgewick in Coronation Street. She has played a number of iconic female characters throughout her career, making her a national treasure.
Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe is a former Conservative Party politician, author and owner of many controversial opinions and beliefs. In 2010 Ann retired from politics and set her sights on stardom, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and most recently, starring in pantomime.
Ashley James
Ashley James rose to fame after appearing on Made In Chelsea, she is now a social influencer, DJ and TV presenter.
India Willoughby
India Willoughby is Britain's first transgender television newsreader and the first trans panellist on Loose Women. Born as Jonathan Willoughby, she began her career on ITV in 2000.
Jess Impiazzi
Glamour model Jess Impiazzi has appeared in The Only Way is Essex and Ex on the Beach. She has also worked as an actress appearing in the film Dangerous Game.
Maggie Oliver
Maggie Oliver is a former Detective Constable with the Greater Manchester Police. Since leaving the force she has appeared on Loose Women and Lorraine.
Malika Haqq
Best friend of Khloe Kardashian, Malika Haqq is a reality TV star in her own right. As well as appearing in Keeping Up With The Kardashians she has appeared in the series' spin-off Dash Dolls.
Rachel Johnson
Journalist and author Rachel Johnson is the sister of Boris Johnson. She has written multiple novels and is a regular guest on a number of TV programmes.
Wayne Sleep OBE
Wayne Sleep OBE is a British dancer and famous for being the shortest male dancer to be admitted to the Royal Ballet School. As well as dancing he has appeared in I'm A Celebrity Get me Out of Here, Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Come Dine With Me.
Shane Lynch
Shane Lynch is known for being a member of Boyzone, however he has also appeared in The Games, Celebrity Masterchef and the celebrity version of Love Island.
Jonny Mitchell
Former Love Island star Jonny Mitchell appeared in the third series of the TV show. He has recently launched his own Foreign Exchange Company.
Ginuwine
American singer and songwriter Ginuwine is best known for his multi-platinum single 'Pony' released in 1996.
Daniel O'Reilly
Known as the controversial comedian Dapper Laughs, Daniel decided last year he would start working a fresh under this own name.
John Barnes
Former England footballer John Barnes was the first male housemate to be confirmed. As well as being a footballer he is also known for his rap on New Order's song 'World In Motion.
Shane Jenek AKA Courtney Act
Shane Jenek AKA Courtney Act is best known for appearing on Australia Idol and RuPaul's Drag Race. He also appeared in Little Mix's 'Power' music video.
Andrew Brady
Andrew Brady appeared on the 13th series of The Apprentice and describes himself as "flirty, funny and sometimes offensive".
Amanda Barrie
Amanda Barrie is an English actress who is best known for playing the role of Alma Sedgewick in Coronation Street. She has played a number of iconic female characters throughout her career, making her a national treasure.
Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe is a former Conservative Party politician, author and owner of many controversial opinions and beliefs. In 2010 Ann retired from politics and set her sights on stardom, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and most recently, starring in pantomime.
Ashley James
Ashley James rose to fame after appearing on Made In Chelsea, she is now a social influencer, DJ and TV presenter.
India Willoughby
India Willoughby is Britain's first transgender television newsreader and the first trans panellist on Loose Women. Born as Jonathan Willoughby, she began her career on ITV in 2000.
Jess Impiazzi
Glamour model Jess Impiazzi has appeared in The Only Way is Essex and Ex on the Beach. She has also worked as an actress appearing in the film Dangerous Game.
Maggie Oliver
Maggie Oliver is a former Detective Constable with the Greater Manchester Police. Since leaving the force she has appeared on Loose Women and Lorraine.
Malika Haqq
Best friend of Khloe Kardashian, Malika Haqq is a reality TV star in her own right. As well as appearing in Keeping Up With The Kardashians she has appeared in the series' spin-off Dash Dolls.
Rachel Johnson
Journalist and author Rachel Johnson is the sister of Boris Johnson. She has written multiple novels and is a regular guest on a number of TV programmes.
Wayne Sleep OBE
Wayne Sleep OBE is a British dancer and famous for being the shortest male dancer to be admitted to the Royal Ballet School. As well as dancing he has appeared in I'm A Celebrity Get me Out of Here, Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Come Dine With Me.
Shane Lynch
Shane Lynch is known for being a member of Boyzone, however he has also appeared in The Games, Celebrity Masterchef and the celebrity version of Love Island.
Jonny Mitchell
Former Love Island star Jonny Mitchell appeared in the third series of the TV show. He has recently launched his own Foreign Exchange Company.
Ginuwine
American singer and songwriter Ginuwine is best known for his multi-platinum single 'Pony' released in 1996.
Daniel O'Reilly
Known as the controversial comedian Dapper Laughs, Daniel decided last year he would start working a fresh under this own name.
John Barnes
Former England footballer John Barnes was the first male housemate to be confirmed. As well as being a footballer he is also known for his rap on New Order's song 'World In Motion.
Shane Jenek AKA Courtney Act
Shane Jenek AKA Courtney Act is best known for appearing on Australia Idol and RuPaul's Drag Race. He also appeared in Little Mix's 'Power' music video.
Andrew Brady
Andrew Brady appeared on the 13th series of The Apprentice and describes himself as "flirty, funny and sometimes offensive".
