BBC Strictly star La Voix's life off-screen - real name and response to Drag Race rival

As the stars of this year's Strictly Come Dancing gear themselves up for the launch show this evening, we take a look at one of the contestants who hope to take the dancefloor by storm. Step forward drag artistLa Voix.

The 45 year old drag artist has been chomping at the bit to take party in what she describes as a "national institution", for years.

In a recent interview then flamboyant star, who shot to fame while on Ru Paul's Drag Race UK last year, said: "Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse."

But it seems that while her attention has focused on rehearsals as fifteen celebrities strive to compete against each other to hold up the coveted glitterball trophy, she also had battle with not speaking to the show's Christmas special winner Tayce.

READ MORE: Strictly's Thomas Skinner pictured in 'happy family' photos after ex-mistress unleashes fury

READ MORE: Bobby Brazier's tearjerking message to younger brother Freddy as he becomes a dad

Drag queen Tayce won the celebrity festive special last year and fans were expecting her to compete in the main series. But alas, La Voix was chosen instead and the pair have not spoken since.

In a chat with The Sun ahead of the show's launch this evening, La Voix told the publication that the pair have not exchanged a word.

She said: "I haven't, I know I've never met Tayce. But I'm hoping that some of that winning glitter sort of sprinkles down on me this season. Because she did amazingly, to win the show, it was incredible."

At the time, Tayce was partnered with Kai Widdrington and scored an amazing 40 points for her performance of the Cha-Cha- Cha to Kyle Minogue's 100 Degrees.

Speaking of her disappointment at not being chosen, Tayce took to social media soon after the full line-up was released. She posted : "Guess I was too much." This was accompanied by a glitterball emoji.

A TV insider told The Sun: "Strictly have long wanted a drag artist on the show and Tayce has exceeded everyone’s expectations. She was an incredible competitor and the viewers clearly loved her. "

They added: "Tayce is a shoo-in for the main show in the autumn now and will be approached in the New Year about taking part. Strictly bosses are keen to get her on board as they start planning for the next show."

La Voix, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, grew up in Stockton-on Tees but moved to London to study drama at Brunel University at the age of 18.

Fast forward to 2015, she became one of the finalists of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK Ambassador and reached the final but was pipped to the post by the late, The Vivienne.

And last year, she competed on the sixth series of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK. After winning four challenges she was awarded a runner-up place.

While there are no reports regarding La Voix's love life, she has credited her parents acceptance of her sexuality for her confidence.

READ MORE: Shoppers 'chuffed' with Amazon coffee machine on sale with Prime Day price

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.