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Tayce Szura-Radix (stage name Tayce; born 28 May 1994) is a Welsh drag queen, rapper and model from Newport, Wales.[1] She[a] is best known for competing in the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, in which she placed joint runner-up.[2]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

2017–2020: Pre-Drag Race UK

[edit]

Tayce moved to London in her late teens. After getting fired from a series of jobs, she became a full-time, professional drag queen in 2017.[3] In June of that year, QX Magazine referred to her as "London's most promising new drag star".[4] In 2018, she became Bougie Drag Brunch's[5] first featured queen, performing regularly alongside other well-known drag queens such as Honey Foxx and eventual Drag Race UK Series Five (2023) contestant Cara Melle.[6]

In January 2020, Tayce attended the inaugural RuPaul's DragCon UK, performing at the event alongside several other queens, including Chicago-based Drag Race Season 9 (2017) runner-up—and eventual winner of All Stars 5—Shea Couleé and Ore-Ho on the main stage.[7]

2020–2021: Drag Race UK Series Two

[edit]

In December 2020, Tayce was announced as one of twelve contestants competing on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.[2] Tayce won the main challenge in Episode 5 "The RuRuvision Song Contest" (alongside A'Whora, Bimini Bon-Boulash and Lawrence Chaney). However, she also landed in the "bottom two" four times, and had to lip-sync in order to stay in the competition. She won her first three lip-syncs, and sent home Cherry Valentine, Sister Sister and A'Whora. Her performance in the lip sync against Cherry Valentine, to the Cats song 'Memory', went viral.[8] Her fourth lip-sync against Ellie Diamond was declared a "double-shantay", with neither queen being eliminated. Tayce was the first ever contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race UK to survive four lip-syncs and win three of them, and is therefore often called a "lip-sync assassin".[9] She made it to the finale and, alongside Bimini, placed joint runner-up to Lawrence Chaney.

2021–present: Post-Drag Race success; breakthrough into modelling, presenting, and music

[edit]

Tayce frequently performs at nightclubs, predominantly in London and New York.[10] In May 2021, she was a featured performer at Drive Time Drag, a drag drive-in show which was the first of its kind in the UK.[11] Tayce embarked on the sold out United Kingdolls Tour (alongside A'Whora, Bimini Bon-Boulash and Lawrence Chaney) with promoter Klub Kids in July 2021,[12] and in February 2022 Tayce embarked on RuPaul's Drag Race UK: The Official Tour (alongside the entire cast of the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK), in association with World of Wonder and promoter Voss Events.[13] In September 2022, Tayce launched a solo tour across the UK, The Assassination Tour, with promoter Klub Kids.[14] In September 2023, Tayce joined Voss Events' Night of the Living Drag tour across the US alongside international RuPaul's Drag Race alumni.[15]

In December 2024, she competed in the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, becoming the first drag queen to compete on the show. The couple scored maximum points from all four judges and were voted the winners.[16][17]

Other ventures

[edit]
Tayce at RuPaul's DragCon LA, 2022

Brand campaigns

[edit]

In March 2021, Tayce was announced as an ambassador for Coca-Cola's "Open That Cola!" campaign in the United Kingdom.[18]

In April 2021, Tayce, alongside fellow Drag Race contestant A'Whora, co-launched The Bluebella Pride Collection, a lingerie line by brand Bluebella. Proceeds from the collection were donated to the Kaleidoscope Trust, a British non-profit which promotes the abolition of anti-gay laws in the Commonwealth.[19] In June 2021, Tayce partnered with Boohoo owned fashion brand Nasty Gal for a 60-piece gender neutral capsule collection.[20][21]

In April 2022, Tayce teamed up with Absolut Vodka, Chet Lo, and the Institute of Digital Fashion for the #BornToMix campaign, in which Tayce modelled a digital dress designed by Chet Lo.[22]

Modelling

[edit]

Tayce is currently signed with Models 1, the largest modelling agency in Europe.[23] She has walked runways for designer brands such as Richard Quinn, The Blonds, EgonLab, and Namilia.[24][25][26] She has also modelled in two Jean Paul Gaultier fragrance campaigns.

Hosting and radio

[edit]

Tayce has been a frequent collaborator with the BBC (especially BBC Radio 1 and BBC Sounds). In August 2021, she presented the Saturday breakfast show slot on BBC Radio 1 from 9:30am, alongside Clara Amfo, as part of Drag Day also featuring Tayce's fellow Series 2 contestants: Bimini Bon-Boulash and Lawrence Chaney, as well as DJ Jodie Harsh.[27] Tayce has also presented a mindfulness-based programme in collaboration with BBC Radio 1 Relax (a BBC Sounds exclusive subsidiary of BBC Radio 1).[28] Since 2021, Tayce has hosted MTV's Queerpiphany alongside Munroe Bergdorf.[29] In June 2024 Tayce presented the Sky TV original documentary ‘’Striking With Pride - United at the Coal Face’’ [30] where she tells children the real story behind the 2015 hit film Pride

Music

[edit]

In December 2022, Tayce released her debut rap single, "Swagzilla".[31] In November 2023, she was featured on Jan Sport's single "For You Only".[32]

Personal life

[edit]

Tayce's father is Roger Radix, a former bass guitarist for Wham![33] Tayce currently resides in Streatham, South London, England; she formerly lived and had a brief relationship with fellow RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestant A'Whora.[34]

On episode eight of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Tayce opened-up about how being diagnosed with chlamydia and gonorrhea at the age of 18 damaged her self-esteem, and altered her perceptions surrounding relationships and sexuality due to feelings of shame and guilt.[35] Tayce's openness when discussing this experience was commended for breaking stigmas around sexually transmitted infections, including by the Terrence Higgins Trust, a British charity.[36]

Tayce is gay, and uses she/her pronouns while in-drag, and he/him pronouns while out-of-drag.[37][38]

Filmography

[edit]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref
2019 Your Face or Mine Themselves Series 5, Episode 6 [39]
2021 RuPaul's Drag Race UK Contestant Series 2 Runner-up [2]
Richard Quinn A/W21 Herself (cameo) Fashion film [40]
Celebrity Gogglebox Herself alongside Tia Kofi [41]
Queerpiphany Herself Co-host [42]
Be Here, Be Queer Herself Netflix special [43]
2023 The National Lottery's New Year's Eve Big Bash Herself alongside Baga Chipz, Cheryl Hole, Kitty Scott-Claus and Cara Melle [44]
2024 Striking With Pride - United at the Coal Face Herself Sky Documentaries, Story Films, alongside Jonathon Blake, Beaufort male Choir [45]

Music videos

[edit]

As lead artist

Year Title Ref
2023 "Swagzilla" [46]

As guest appearance

Year Title Artist Ref
2020 "Levitating" (The Blessed Madonna Remix featuring Madonna and Missy Elliott) Dua Lipa [47]
"Baby" Madison Beer [48]
2021 "My House" Jodie Harsh [49]
"Confetti" Little Mix [50]
2025 "Pogo" Brooke Candy [51]

Radio

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref
2021 Radio 1 Breakfast with Tayce & Clara Amfo Herself BBC Radio 1 [27]

Web series

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref
2019 The Gold Rush Herself TrashTV [52]
2021 Cosmo Queens UK Herself Cosmopolitan UK [53]
2022 God Shave the Queens Herself Featured queen [54]
Bring Back My Girls Herself Guest [55]
2024 Very Delta Herself Guest [56]

Discography

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
Title Year Peaks Album
UK
[57] 		UK
Big Top 40
[58]
"Swagzilla"[31] 2022 — — Non-album singles
"IDONTWANNA"[59] 2025 – –
[edit]
List of singles as a featured artist
Title Year Peaks Album
UK
[57] 		UK
Big Top 40
[58]
"UK Hun?"[60]
(among The Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Season 2) 		2021 27 3 Non-album singles
"A Little Bit of Love"[61]
(among The Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Season 2) 		— —
"For You Only"[62]
(Jan feat. Tayce) 		2023 —
"Outro"[63]
(Maggot Mouf feat. Tayce) 		2025 – – Weird Tracks 4 Weirdos

Stage

[edit]
Year Title Promoter Locations Ref
2021 Drive Time Drag The Parking Lot Social Bristol, Cheltenham, Coventry [11]
2021 United Kingdolls The Tour Klub Kids Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Sheffield [12]
2021 MODE Klub Kids Amsterdam, Cardiff, London, Manchester [64]
2022 RuPaul's Drag Race UK: The Official Tour Voss Events / World Of Wonder Ipswich, Oxford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Nottingham, Bournemouth, Southend, Manchester, Sheffield, Blackpool, Llandudno, Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Plymouth, London, Derby, Bristol, Bradford, Aberdeen, Southampton, Stockton, Brighton, Newport [13]
2022 United Kingdolls Tour ITD Events / Klub Kids Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, Wellington [65]
2022 Tayce: The Assassination Tour Klub Kids London, Reading, Southampton, Bristol, Torquay, Nottingham, Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Dundee, Glasgow, Newcastle, Cardiff [66]
2023 RuPaul's Drag Race: Night of the Living Drag Voss Events Niagara Falls, ON, Waterbury, CT, Portland, ME, Albany, NY, Roanoke, VA, Norfolk, VA, Atlantic City, NJ, Bethlehem, PA, Charleston, WV, Evansville, IN, Saint Louis, MO, Ames, IA, Fort Wayne, IN, Nashville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Chattanooga, TN, Shreveport, LA, Baton Rouge, LA, Mobile, AL, Birmingham, AL, Memphis, TN, Hammond, IN, Toledo, OH, Hanover, MD, Newark, NJ [67]

Awards and nominations

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Award Ceremony Year Work Category Result
Berlin Music Video Awards 2023 Swagzilla Best Bizarre Nominated

Notes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tayce

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tayce Szura-Radix (born 28 May 1994) is a Welsh drag performer and model from Newport, Wales.[1][2] She rose to prominence as a joint runner-up on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2021.[3] In December 2024, she became the first drag artist to compete and win the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering with professional dancer Kai Widdrington to perform a cha-cha to "100 Degrees" by Kylie and Dannii Minogue.[2][4] Tayce has since pursued modeling, music, and presenting opportunities, including appearances in music videos and television.[5]

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Tayce Szura-Radix was born on 28 May 1994 in Newport, South Wales.[6] Her father, Roger Radix, served as a bass guitarist for the band Wham!, contributing to their self-titled debut album by performing on tracks including "Bad Boys" and "Wham Rap!".[7] Tayce has described her parents as consistently supportive of her pursuits in drag performance and music from an early age.[8] She spent her formative years in Newport before relocating to London during her late teens to pursue professional opportunities.[9]

Initial involvement in drag and performance

Tayce Szura-Radix, born on May 28, 1994, in Newport, Wales, exhibited an early interest in performative expression through clothing and accessories from childhood. Family photographs document him wearing wigs, dresses, scarves, and a feather boa as young as infancy up to age 10, with his parents accommodating this by taking him to McDonald's weekly in such attire as a treat when he was nine years old.[10] This personal experimentation occurred in Newport, where he faced local hostility including verbal abuse and physical confrontations due to his flamboyant style, such as makeshift outfits from bin bags and duct-tape platform shoes, yet persisted without developing a separate drag persona, using his birth first name as his stage identity.[10][11] Tayce transitioned to professional drag in 2017 after repeated job losses, including from waiting tables at Nando's due to inconsistent attendance, prompting a shift from modeling pursuits in London to full-time performance.[3] His entry into formal drag events began unexpectedly when a friend entered him into a competition with only two days' notice; he won using basic items like tights, a corset, and an inexpensive Amazon wig.[11] This led immediately to his debut gig at a small Soho club in London, where his high energy nearly caused him to hit the ceiling, marking the onset of regular club appearances in the city's LGBT+ nightlife scene.[11] Influences from figures like Kylie Minogue, whom he emulated by dancing in a modified relative's dress in front of the television as a child, shaped his early style, blending personal flair with emerging performance skills.[11] Despite roots in Newport's challenging environment, Tayce's initial professional steps occurred in London, establishing a foundation of high-energy, unscripted drag that extended his childhood creativity into competitive and club-based work by late 2017.[3][11]

Professional career

Pre-Drag Race UK activities (2017–2020)

Tayce transitioned to full-time drag performance in 2017 following dismissals from various day jobs, including roles as a waiter at Nando's, a cleaner, and in administrative filing, primarily due to inconsistent timekeeping.[3] Originally from Newport, South Wales, where she had relocated to London in her late teens, she developed her persona without a separate drag alter-ego, performing under variations of her given name.[3] By late 2019, Tayce reported having seriously committed to her drag journey approximately eighteen months earlier, conducting regular gigs across UK venues up to four or five days per week.[12] Her shows emphasized high-energy routines featuring dance, lip-syncing to tracks by influences such as Beyoncé, Ciara, and Jennifer Lopez, and occasional live instrumentation like drums or electric guitar, though she gained a reputation for frequent lateness offset by compelling deliveries.[12] Tayce expressed ambitions to emulate Welsh entertainers including Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, aiming to deliver "razzle dazzle" spectacle in her performances.[12] These activities established her local presence in the British drag scene prior to national exposure, with bookings centered in Wales and London-area clubs.[12]

RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series 2 appearance (2020–2021)

Tayce participated in the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, which aired weekly on BBC Three from 14 January 2021 to 18 March 2021.[13][14] The competition featured 12 drag queens competing in various challenges testing sewing, comedy, performance, and runway presentation, judged by RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, and Graham Norton, with rotating guest judges. Tayce, hailing from Newport, Wales, entered emphasizing her dance training and energetic persona, quickly establishing herself through high-energy runway walks and choreography.[15] Tayce's tenure was marked by her exceptional lip-syncing prowess, earning her recognition as a "lip-sync assassin." She landed in the bottom four times—episodes 3, 4, 6, and 9—and survived all, winning three of the matchups, a record for the UK franchise. Key victories included her lip-sync against Cherry Valentine to Elaine Paige's "Memory" in episode 4, noted for its emotional depth and precision; a matchup against A'Whora in episode 9's acting challenge aftermath; and others showcasing her dance agility and emotional delivery.[16][17][18] This resilience propelled her from early vulnerabilities to the final four alongside Bimini Bon-Boulash, Ellie Diamond, and Lawrence Chaney, following a non-elimination episode 9 "Beastenders" soap opera parody.[19] In the series finale on 18 March 2021, the top four performed verses in the group number "UK Hun?" and individual lip-syncs for the crown to Janet Jackson's "Together Again." Tayce delivered a standout rap verse in the rumix, praised for its charisma and flow, but was eliminated in the final lip-sync round, finishing as co-runner-up with Bimini Bon-Boulash. Lawrence Chaney was declared the winner, receiving the crown and £50,000 prize.[20][21] Tayce's journey highlighted her growth from bottom-heavy early episodes to a finale contender, underscoring her strengths in performance over construction-based challenges where she struggled.[22]

Post-Drag Race expansion (2021–2025)

Following her runner-up finish on RuPaul's Drag Race UK series 2 in March 2021, Tayce secured representation with IMG Models, Europe's largest modeling agency, which also handles supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista.[23][24] In April 2021, she co-launched the Bluebella Pride Collection lingerie line with fellow contestant A'Whora, targeting inclusive apparel. By June 2021, Tayce collaborated with Nasty Gal on a gender-neutral capsule featuring blazers, leather jackets, and graphic tees incorporating her catchphrases.[25] She appeared in a Jean Paul Gaultier campaign teaser in May 2021 and featured in Coca-Cola's "Open That Coca-Cola" advertising push earlier that year, emphasizing celebratory sips.[26][27] Tayce ventured into music with her debut rap single "Swagzilla" in December 2022, followed by a feature on Jan Sport's "For You Only" in November 2023.[28] Subsequent releases included "IDONTWANNA" and "EAT THE DJ!", available via streaming platforms and promoted through her official social channels.[28][29] Live performances expanded her reach, including appearances on the RuPaul's Drag Race UK series 2 tour and at events like DragCon UK After Hours shows in 2024 and 2025.[30][31] On television, Tayce began co-hosting MTV's Queerpiphany with Munroe Bergdorf in 2021, focusing on queer cultural discussions.[32] She presented a Sky TV documentary in June 2024 and joined the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in December 2024, partnering with Johannes Radebe to win via a cha-cha to Kylie and Dannii Minogue's "100 Degrees," marking her as the first drag queen to claim victory in the UK edition.[4][33] In 2025, she signed for the horror-themed series Drag in the Dark and attended RuPaul's DragCon UK, though she opted out of the main Strictly Come Dancing series amid reported scheduling conflicts.[34][35]

Additional professional endeavors

Modeling and brand collaborations

Following her appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race UK series 2, Tayce signed with Models 1, one of Europe's largest modeling agencies, in April 2021.[23] She featured in Jean Paul Gaultier's La Belle Le Parfum campaign, released on May 19, 2021, marking one of the designer's early high-profile involvements with a drag performer post-Drag Race.[36] Tayce debuted on international runways during London Fashion Week in September 2021, walking for Richard Quinn's spring/summer 2022 collection alongside fellow Drag Race UK contestant Bimini Bon-Boulash.[37] Her runway presence expanded in subsequent years, including appearances at Paris Fashion Week in January 2023, 080 Barcelona Fashion Week for DOMINNICO's autumn/winter 2025 show in April 2025, and New York Fashion Week for Jeffrey Kelly Abess in September 2025.[38][39] In brand partnerships, Tayce participated in Coca-Cola's "Open That Coca-Cola" advertising campaign in March 2021, appearing among celebrities depicting initial sips of the beverage.[27] She launched a 60-piece gender-neutral capsule collection with Nasty Gal on June 23, 2021, incorporating glam rock influences with items such as power suits, leather jackets, blazers, and graphic tees featuring her catchphrases.[25][40] Tayce collaborated with Absolut Vodka on the #BornToMix initiative in April 2022, partnering with designer Chet Lo and the Institute of Digital Fashion to create the "Second Skin Couture" project—a translucent, futuristic garment blending physical and digital elements, debuted publicly in a spiky, space-age dress at Boxpark Shoreditch in May 2022.[41][42] These efforts positioned her as a bridge between drag performance and commercial fashion, leveraging her post-Drag Race visibility for innovative, boundary-pushing designs.[36]

Television hosting, radio, and variety appearances

Tayce co-hosted the MTV series Queerpiphany with model Munroe Bergdorf beginning in 2021, featuring interviews with celebrities recounting their experiences of coming out.[43] The program returned for a fourth season in November 2024.[44] In August 2021, Tayce hosted a dedicated show during BBC Radio 1's first Drag Day event, alongside fellow RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 2 contestants Bimini Bon Boulash and Lawrence Chaney, as well as DJ Jodie Harsh.[45] She has presented additional BBC radio programs, including a mindfulness-focused series in collaboration with BBC Radio 1 Relax and an episode of Radio 1 Anthems.[46] [43] In June 2024, Tayce presented the Sky Original documentary Striking with Pride: United at the Coalface, examining LGBTQ+ representation in Welsh mining communities.[47] Tayce participated in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special on December 25, 2024, paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, performing a jive to "Revolting Children" from Matilda the Musical.[2] She won the competition, becoming the first drag performer to claim victory in any iteration of the show globally.[48]

Music and creative releases

Tayce entered the music scene with her debut solo single "Swagzilla", a rap track released on December 9, 2022.[49] The song, produced by Kieran Armitage, features high-energy lyrics emphasizing confidence and performance flair, aligning with her drag persona.[50] An official music video, directed by Kassandra Powell and produced by Camp Productions, followed on January 5, 2023, showcasing dynamic choreography, costume changes, and vehicular sequences that highlight Tayce's visual artistry.[51] In November 2023, Tayce collaborated with American drag performer Jan Sport on the single "For You Only", providing featured vocals that complemented the track's pop-dance structure.[52] This release marked her first major feature credit outside solo work, distributed via streaming platforms and promoted through social media tie-ins between the artists. Tayce issued her second solo single, "IDONTWANNA", on August 29, 2025, following a pre-save campaign announced via her official channels.[53] The track incorporates autotune effects and upbeat production, with a music video released in October 2025 to extend its promotional reach.[54] These releases represent her primary musical output to date, focusing on rap-infused pop without full-length albums, though streaming profiles list associated EPs like "EAT THE DJ" in 2025.[28]

Controversies and criticisms

Industry dynamics and Drag Race perceptions

The expansion of the RuPaul's Drag Race franchise, including its UK spin-off, has significantly boosted the visibility of drag performers, creating new revenue streams through tours, endorsements, and media gigs, but it has also fostered perceptions of market saturation in the UK's comparatively limited drag circuit compared to the US. With multiple seasons producing dozens of alumni since 2019, queens like Tayce have competed for high-profile bookings, leading to fan discussions on diluted opportunities and "Drag Race fatigue" from the barrage of international editions. Tayce acknowledged this viewer exhaustion in a 2021 interview, stating that the simultaneous rollout of spin-offs from countries like Canada, Spain, France, and Italy can overwhelm audiences—"whose hands are these? I don't know"—while defending the global proliferation as "fantastic" and "inspiring" for elevating drag worldwide.[55] Tayce's experience on series 2 (2020–2021) and subsequent commentary highlight tensions in production and casting dynamics, where the show's emphasis on polished, confessional narratives may disadvantage queens without overt trauma backstories, a point echoed in fan analyses attributing her perceived lack of judge favoritism to her unapologetically confident persona. More concretely, in August 2021, Tayce publicly critiqued the series 3 cast announcement for its "lack of diversity," noting only one Black queen (Vanity Milan) among 12 contestants and expressing surprise given her knowledge of "incredible poc, trans, & afab performers" overlooked in casting.[56][57] Her remarks, delivered via Twitter alongside congratulations to the cast, prompted backlash and defense from the BBC, which reiterated that "celebrating diversity is at the heart of Drag Race UK," underscoring broader perceptions of selective inclusivity influenced by production preferences for marketable archetypes over comprehensive representation.[57] These dynamics extend to Tayce's post-show decisions, as she confirmed in May 2022 declining invitations to return for franchise events like RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World, prioritizing independent career growth amid the competitive alumni landscape. Such choices reflect strategic navigation of an industry where Drag Race fame accelerates trajectories but risks typecasting or dependency on World of Wonder productions, with Tayce leveraging her platform for modeling (e.g., Coca-Cola campaigns) and TV presenting instead.[58]

Public backlash related to drag identity and media appearances

Tayce encountered significant online criticism in December 2024 upon her casting in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, the first such appearance by a drag performer on the BBC's family-oriented dance competition.[59][60] Complaints centered on the perceived unsuitability of a drag artist for a program traditionally viewed as wholesome and appropriate for children, with detractors citing Tayce's sassy demeanor and drag persona as disruptive to the show's tone.[61][62] Tayce addressed the abuse in interviews, dismissing some objections as rooted in her physical appeal and vowing to persist despite the negativity, which she claimed fueled her determination to challenge boundaries.[60][63] She performed a jive routine with professional dancer Kai Widdrington on December 27, 2024, ultimately winning the special, though the pre-broadcast backlash persisted in social media discourse.[59][64] This incident echoed broader tensions around drag performers in mainstream media, where conservative-leaning commentators and audience segments expressed reservations about exposing younger viewers to elements of drag culture, including exaggerated gender performance and adult-oriented themes.[62] Tayce's response emphasized resilience, stating the criticism overlooked the overwhelmingly positive reception from supporters and her intent to represent drag positively.[61][64]

Personal life

Family relationships and heritage

Tayce was born on 28 May 1994 in Newport, Wales, establishing a Welsh heritage through birthplace and maternal lineage.[65] Her family background reflects mixed-race origins, with a white mother and black father, leading to experiences of racial distinction in predominantly white Wales, where Tayce noted her mother was frequently mistaken for a nanny due to societal assumptions about black families.[65] Tayce's father, Roger Radix, is a session musician who served as an early bassist for the pop duo Wham!, contributing to tracks such as "Bad Boys" and "Wham Rap!" on their debut album Fantastic (1983) and performing with the band on Top of the Pops in 1982.[65] [7] Radix's involvement predated the band's more famous lineup, marking him as one of the initial collaborators with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.[66] Tayce maintains a close, supportive relationship with both parents, publicly crediting them for encouragement in pursuing drag performance and other ventures from a young age.[66] In personal reflections, Tayce has emphasized their parents' role as loving figures amid challenges faced by queer and mixed-race individuals, describing them as foundational to her resilience and career.[67] No public details exist on siblings or extended family dynamics.

Residence, identity, and public statements on personal views

Tayce was born on 28 May 1994 in Newport, Gwent, Wales, and relocated to London in her late teens to pursue modeling and performance opportunities.[3] She currently resides in Streatham, South London. Her heritage includes Welsh and Afro-Caribbean ancestry.[7] As a drag performer, Tayce is a gay man who adopts she/her pronouns while in character, distinguishing the persona from her out-of-drag identity.[9] She has emphasized drag's roots as a form of protest and political expression, stating in a 2021 interview that "drag was always a protest, a political statement."[10] In response to public criticism of her 2024 appearance on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, Tayce addressed backlash tied to her drag identity by affirming her commitment to the performance art, declaring it a platform to "sleigh" despite opposition.[62] She has also voiced concerns over perceived exclusion from the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing series, attributing it potentially to being "too much" in her drag presentation, amid speculation of homophobic barriers in mainstream television casting.[35] No public endorsements of specific political ideologies have been documented, with statements centering on drag's cultural and representational role rather than partisan positions.[68]

Reception and impact

Achievements and accolades

Tayce finished as joint runner-up in the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, which concluded on 19 March 2021, alongside Bimini Bon-Boulash, with Lawrence Chaney declared the winner.[69] During the competition, she survived four lip-syncs for elimination, a record for the UK edition at the time.[17] On 25 December 2024, Tayce won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, partnering with professional dancer Kai Widdrington to perform a cha-cha to "100 Degrees" by Kylie and Dannii Minogue, earning perfect scores of 10 from all judges.[2] This victory marked her as the first drag performer to compete and win any edition of Strictly Come Dancing worldwide.[48]

Critical and public evaluations

Tayce's performances on RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 2 earned praise from judges for her polished looks and resilience in critiques, positioning her as a top-four finalist despite frequent lip-sync challenges.[70] Media outlets highlighted her charisma and high-fashion aesthetic, with British Vogue describing her as a "big-hearted Welsh queen" redefining fierceness through Disney villain-inspired brows and Naomi Campbell homages, crediting her rapid repartee for building a dedicated following.[3] Similarly, Grazia lauded her elegance, eloquence, and glamour, affirming her as "born for stardom" even amid season pressures like multiple lip-syncs.[71] Public reception has been predominantly favorable among drag enthusiasts, who celebrated her as a fan favorite for authentic confidence and Welsh representation, as noted in Evening Standard coverage of her heart-stealing appeal midway through the season.[72] However, some viewers and alumni critiqued her for lacking a distinct "Drag Race version" of herself, with season 1 contestant Vinegar Strokes expressing boredom over perceived uniformity in her presentation.[73] Tayce addressed body-shaming comments post-show by sharing images and affirming self-acceptance, garnering support from fans who viewed such attacks as unwarranted.[70] In broader evaluations, Tayce has voiced concerns over Drag Race's inclusivity, criticizing season 3's cast for insufficient diversity in age, body type, and background, a stance echoed in fan discussions on representation.[57] Her 2024 appearance on Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special drew mixed public response: Tayce reported an "overwhelmingly positive" reception overall but faced online abuse from detractors questioning drag's suitability for the family-oriented BBC program, with complaints centering on content appropriateness rather than performance quality.[74][60] She responded defiantly, attributing negativity to discomfort with her identity while emphasizing entertainment value.[62]

Filmography

Television roles and appearances

Tayce gained prominence as a contestant on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, which aired on BBC Three from 14 January to 18 March 2021.[75] She won three main challenges, survived four lip-syncs—more than any other contestant in the series—and finished as runner-up to Lawrence Chaney.[76] Her performances, including a standout lip-sync to "Supermodel (You Better Work)" by RuPaul, highlighted her charisma, comedy, and dance skills.[77] In September 2021, Tayce appeared on the "Black to Front" special episode of Celebrity Gogglebox on Channel 4, alongside fellow Drag Race UK alumna Tia Kofi, where they reacted to television programs focused on Black experiences.[78] Tayce participated in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, broadcast on BBC One on 24 December 2024. Paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, she performed a Cha-Cha to "A Hundred Degrees" by Kylie Minogue, earning the highest combined judges' and audience scores to win the competition—the first drag queen to claim victory in any version of Strictly Come Dancing worldwide.[4][48] She followed this with a guest appearance on Loose Women on ITV on 3 January 2025, alongside Widdrington, discussing the win and hinting at potential interest in the main series.[79] In May 2025, Tayce starred in an episode of the paranormal reality series Drag in the Dark on OUTtv, investigating the haunted Widow's Castle with a team of experts, confronting reported spirits and eerie phenomena while incorporating her drag persona.[80][34] Additional guest spots include Your Face or Mine? on Netflix, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on BBC Two, and Queerpiphany in 2021, primarily as herself promoting her Drag Race fame.[81]

Music videos and web series

Tayce appeared in the official music video for Dua Lipa's "Levitating (The Blessed Madonna Remix)" featuring Madonna and Missy Elliott, which was released on August 14, 2020, and credits her among the performers in the London-shot production emphasizing LGBTQ+ representation.[82] She subsequently featured alongside RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 2 castmates Bimini Bon-Boulash and A'Whora in the music video for Little Mix's "Confetti" featuring Saweetie, released on April 30, 2021, showcasing drag elements in the pop track's visual narrative. On February 4, 2025, Tayce made a special guest appearance in Brooke Candy's "Pogo" music video, filmed at The Mandrake Hotel in London.[83] Tayce debuted her own music video for the single "Swagzilla" on January 5, 2023, directed by Kassandra Powell and produced by Camp Productions, featuring high-energy performance sequences, explosive vehicle stunts, and rapid costume transformations.[51] [84] She followed with the release of the "IDONTWANNA" music video on October 7, 2025, again directed by Powell, highlighting her rap-infused style in a visually dynamic format.[85] In web series, Tayce participated in a 2021 episode of the YouTube channel "Doing It With Netflix," titled "Drag Queens Become Zookeepers," where she and fellow Drag Race UK contestant Cheryl Hole undertook animal-handling challenges tied to Netflix programming.[86] She starred in the paranormal investigation series "Drag in the Dark," which premiered its first episode on May 21, 2025, on OUTtv and Outflix platforms, joining experts to explore haunted sites across the UK while incorporating her drag persona into the supernatural hunts.[87] [88]

Discography

As lead performer

Tayce has released three singles as a lead artist, focusing on rap and electronic styles. Her debut single, the rap track "Swagzilla", was independently released in December 2022.[89] In 2025, Tayce issued "IDONTWANNA" on August 29, a track emphasizing summer themes with autotuned vocals.[89][53] Later that year, she followed with "EAT THE DJ" on October 24, blending dance and electronic elements.[28][90]
YearSingle titleRelease date
2022"Swagzilla"December 2022 [89]
2025"IDONTWANNA"August 29, 2025[53]
2025"EAT THE DJ"October 24, 2025[90]

Featured appearances

Tayce has served as a featured vocalist on tracks by other recording artists. In November 2023, she contributed to Jan Sport's single "For You Only," a dance-pop track released independently. In January 2025, Tayce appeared on "Outro," the closing track of Maggot Mouf's album Weird Tracks 4 Weirdos, an independent release characterized by experimental and eclectic production.[91][92] Additionally, Tayce participated in collaborative singles tied to her RuPaul's Drag Race UK appearances, including the group track "UK Hun? (United Kingdolls Version)" with fellow season 2 finalists A'Whora, Bimini Bon Boulash, and Lawrence Chaney, released in February 2021 as part of the show's promotional maxi-single.[93]

References

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