Dancing On Ice’s The Vivienne admits doing the show is more nerve-wracking than Drag Race

Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne has admitted that taking part on the skating show is more nerve-wracking that competing in RuPaul’s Drag Race.

The Drag Queen, 30 – real name James Lee Williams – won the very first series RuPaul’s Drag Race UK back in 2019, later returning to take part in the All Stars shows last year. 

And speaking ahead of making her skate debut when the ITV show returns on Sunday, The Vivienne joked that ‘standing on ice is hard enough’ as she detailed feeling ‘pressure’ to perfect her routines. 

When asked about which of her two shows were more nerve-wracking, the TV star told MailOnline and other press: ‘Dancing On Ice! We’re used to being on a stage made out of wood, not frozen water!’

She continued of the difficulties of training and expectation in getting the steps correct: ‘Standing on ice is bad enough, let alone dancing on it as well! 

‘I mean, you get your show one skate in your head and you work on it so hard. And then you kind of forget, oh my gosh, by week two we’ve got five days to learn a whole new routine!

Success: The Drag Queen, 30 – real name James Lee Williams – won the very first series RuPaul’s Drag Race UK back in 2019, later returning to take part in the All Stars shows last year (pictured in 2019)

‘So the pressure of that, you know, the nation’s watching. And we’ve got to do it all in front of Torvill and Dean, the absolute legends in the skating world! It’s a lot of pressure. 

‘So I just want to take it week by week. Hopefully we hopefully week by week.’

The star went on to detail that there’s no hiding when it comes to getting the intricate skating moves right for the judges.

Not easy:  The Vivienne joked that ‘standing on ice is hard enough’ as she detailed feeling ‘pressure’ to perfect her routines (pictured with pro partner Colin Grafton)

No doubt: When asked about which of her two shows were more nerve-wracking, the TV star told MailOnline and other press: ‘Dancing On Ice! We’re used to being on a stage made out of wood, not frozen water!’

She said: ‘Skating is a skill that, you know, a three turn is a three turn. If you don’t do a three turn or a mohawk or a certain move, they’re going to be looking at how well you execute that.

‘Sure there’s your own bit of flavour to it, but it’s a skill that we’re learning that they are looking for. We’ve got to deliver. There’s no, there’s no skating around it!’

And while training has been tough, The Vivienne has told how she’s ‘fell in love’ with skating, while praising her pro partner Colin Grafton. 

Difficult: ‘I mean, you get your show one skate in your head and you work on it so hard. And then you kind of forget, oh my gosh, by week two we’ve got five days to learn a whole new routine!’

Tough going: ‘Sure there’s your own bit of flavour to it, but it’s a skill that we’re learning that they are looking for. We’ve got to deliver. There’s no, there’s no skating around it!’ (pictured in training)

She explained: ‘I’ve become obsessed with skating. You know, my husband wants to sit and watch the Hollyoaks omnibus and I want to sit and watch the world champion skating!

‘I’m even putting my slippy socks on and gliding around the kitchen on the wooden floor!

‘I just I fell in love with skating and have so much respect for the pros and what they do and you know I’m sure we’re all gonna say our pros the best, but Colin is just fantastic. We’ve both formed such a good bond.’

Dancing on Ice returns Sunday 15th January, 6:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. 

Big fan: ‘I just I fell in love with skating and have so much respect for the pros and what they do and you know I’m sure we’re all gonna say our pros the best, but Colin is just fantastic. We’ve both formed such a good bond’

DANCING ON ICE 2023: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

PATSY PALMER 

AGE: 50

PROFESSION: Actress and DJ

WHAT DID THEY SAY?:  ‘I’ve turned it down before because I was terrified, but when I turned 50 I made a pact to get out of my confront zone. ‘

EKIN-SU CULCULOGLU

AGE: 28

PROFESSION: Love Island star 

WHAT DID THEY SAY?:  ‘I’ve got some amazing news to tell you. I’m so excited, I can’t wait to get myself on the ice and skate. Stay tuned and see you on the ice.’

 MOLLIE GALLAGHER 

AGE: 24

PROFESSION: Actress

WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’ve not got the best coordination so when people find out they will laugh, but I don’t want to spend my life saying “I can’t do this, I can’t do that.”

JOEY ESSEX

AGE: 32 

PROFESSION: Ex TOWIE star

WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m so excited. I wanted something in my life with structure and it’s more serious than what I usually do.’

 CARLEY STENSON

AGE: 36

PROFESSION: Actress and West End star

WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘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.’

SIVA KANESWARAN

AGE: 33

PROFESSION: Singer

WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I want to learn how to skate and make my family proud of me and put on a show for everyone to see.’

 JOHN FASHANU 

AGE: 60

PROFESSION: Former footballer and pundit 

WHAT DID THEY SAY?:  ‘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!’

NILE WILSON

AGE: 26

PROFESSION: Olympic gymnast 

WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’ve 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.’

 JAMES LEE WILLIAM AKA THE VIVIENNE 

AGE: 29

PROFESSION: Drag queen

WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘To be the first drag artist to take part in one of the big UK reality competition shows is an honour and a big step forward for queer representation on TV.’

  DARREN HARRIOT 

PROFESSION: Comedian 

AGE: 34 

WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘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!’ 

 MICHELLE HEATON

AGE: 43

PROFESSION: Singer

WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘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.’