Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne gave a heartfelt thanks to the viewing public for their support during Sunday’s semi-final episode as she said her art of drag was ‘fully under attack’.
The former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, 30, real name James Williams, took to the rink for her Personal Skate having chosen the song Over The Rainbow from the 1939 film Wizard Of Oz to perform to as it held a special place in her heart.
After putting on an elegant performance with her professional partner Colin Grafton, she expressed her gratitude at being made to feel welcome on the show and with series fans amid a turbulent time for drag performers at the the moment.
Referring to recent protests around the world against drag story telling events for children, The Vivienne thanked the audience for their support, saying: ‘Especially at a time when drag is fully under attack. We’re nothing to be feared. We just want to have fun.’
Members of the public across the globe have rallied against events at public libraries and other venues which involve drag queens reading children’s books and engaging in other learning activities for young people and their families.
Speaking out: Dancing On Ice’s The Vivienne gave a heartfelt thanks to the public for their support during Sunday’s semi-final episode as she said her art of drag was ‘fully under attack’ (pictured with professional partner Colin Grafton)
Before her Personal Skate, The Vivienne spoke of the emotional reason she had chosen Over The Rainbow for her performance.
She chose the track as it meant a lot to her since her childhood after watching the 1939 musical film The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland.
She explained: ‘For my personal song, I’m going to be skating to 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 out there than Kansas definitely struck something with me.’
The Vivienne, who is partnered with professional skater Colin Grafton on the show, went on to explain how it wasn’t until she moved out of Wales to a big city that she began to feel comfortable in her own skin.
Being around likeminded people enabled to grow into herself and embrace her authentic identity.
She said: ‘I came out at 14 and moved to Liverpool when I was 16 and quickly found my tribe.
Grateful: She expressed her gratitude at being made to feel welcome on the show and with series fans amid a turbulent time for drag performers at the the moment
‘It was a big sigh of relief that these people were exactly like me. And then I saw drag queens and thought “wow, I’m really in Oz now!”
‘It’s a crazy full circle from little seven year-old James dreaming of being Dorothy to now being able to portray this song on ice.
‘When people watch this performance, I hope that they are transported to this happy place and whatever they’re going through, just know that over the rainbow there is something fabulous waiting for you. And you’re a very special person who can get through anything.’
The Vivienne wore a dazzling pink and white mini dress which was adorned with shimmering sequins and jewels.
She was awarded 9.5 points by Ashley while the rest of the judges awarded 10 each.
The studio audience did not take too kindly to Ashley not awarded the maximum number of points but he insisted: ‘It is a good mark!’
Blunder: Earlier in the episode The Vivienne crashed to the ice as she attempted a jump, landing on her knees
Crashing out: The Vivienne said: ‘My knees are hurting a little bit but I’m fine. We’re dancing on ice. Things happen’
Earlier in the show The Vivienne crashed to the ground as she took a tumble during the group’s Solo Skate.
Each celebrity performed without their professional partner for the first time in the series.
The routine got off to a good start until The Vivienne crashed to the ice as she attempted a jump, landing on her knees.
She quickly climbed back onto her feet to continue the routine and seemed in good spirits while talking about the mishap to show hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
All stars: (L-R) Siva, Nile Wilson, The Vivienne, Joey Essex and Mollie Gallagher are all seen before taking to the rink for the group performance without their professional partners
The Vivienne said: ‘My knees are hurting a little bit but I’m fine. We’re dancing on ice. Things happen.’
Phillip chimed in: ‘That’s live skating for you.’
Giving the panel’s feedback, head judge Christopher revealed The Vivienne had placed last due to her stumble, receiving only one point.
Dancing On Ice continues next Sunday on ITV1 and ITVX at 6.30pm.
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