Tony Cowell chats to Michelle Visage
Columnist Eamonn Holmes says he’s only ever had one holiday that was truly ‘special’ in every way – and that was a dreamy trip to Marmaris in Turkey, with his family…
Michelle Visage made her name as the feisty, quick-witted judge on RuPaul’sDragRace. In 2015, the glamorous 51-year-old American appeared on the UK’s CelebrityBig Brother, and last year competed on Strictly ComeDancing with her pro-partner, Giovanni Pernice. Now she’s back on our screens with BBC3 show, How’s YourHead,Hun? – all filmed from her home. She talks to best about growing up in New Jersey, why Madonna is her inspiration, and how, underneath it all, she’s softer than her formidable image would suggest…
We’re really loving your show – how did the idea come about?
Well, when I left the UK to go back to LA, I knew I was going to be locked down in my house with the kids, our dogs, and a load of mess. So, I thought, why not put cameras in the house, and try to make people laugh and show them we are all in this together.
Did you have to talk your family into doing it?
Do you know what? No, I didn’t. My husband, David, has been a real champ – he’s doing the camera, the sound, everything. My 18-yearold daughter, Lola, has her boyfriend living with us in lockdown, so it gets quite noisy!
David certainly isn’t camera-shy – his bare buttocks appeared on the Drag Race final, recently!
Haha! That’s true. David is an actor, so any chance to get in front of the camera – he’ll be there. He can’t help himself.
What’s been the hardest thing for you in lockdown?
Every day is different, as far as emotions go. That’s a big part of this show – because I want people to know it is OK, not to feel OK. Some mornings, I get up ready to face the day, and then by noon I’m over it. All I want is to eat a big cake, but that’s OK, too. Some days, you are going to wake up sad. We just don’t know how to navigate it all – this lockdown life, even if we’re slowly coming out of it, is new to all of us. But it’s important to remember, we are all in this together.
On TV, you’re always groomed and glamorous – has that been a challenge, lately?!
I’m really good with make-up, but I can’t do my own hair – so there have been some hair issues! But I have no problem in sharing that with the world. I don’t want people to think I’m perfect, because I’m not. I’m just a pushover who likes a cuddle.
RuPaul’s Drag Race has become a huge success. Did that surprise you?
Yes, it did surprise me. I was blown away, and so proud to be part of that legacy. The show has changed a lot of people’s lives.
What’s RuPaul like to work with – he’s a good pal, isn’t he?
I’ve known Ru since I was 18 years old. He’s
a very introverted, quiet person. But he’s so kind and generous, too. He’s very sensitive and, in a way, that helps me. I had a rough time growing up. I wasn’t always accepted, and got bullied for being different. We talk every day. He’s a remarkable person.
As a teenager, you had big dreams. Tell us more…
I did! I told my mum I wanted to be a vet but, in her heart, she knew I couldn’t be – academically. So, I ended up being an actress, and my parents began steering me in that direction. I got my first paid acting role at 18 years old.
You joined girl group Seduction, at 19 – how was that time?
just because of my age – although for me it was a big deal to hit 50. But ballroom was something I was obsessed with, because basically, it’s drag. The costumes, the faces, everything. It was definitely the best experience I’ve ever had. I would do it every year if I could. I speak to Giovanni (Pernice) almost every day.
Your Vogue tribute on the show was an important message to the LGBT community, wasn’t it?
DEAR READER
While it’s currently vital to stay close to home during the Coronavirus lockdown, it doesn’t mean you can’t dream and plan for your next travel adventure. We intend to inspire you. After all, it’s important to remember, it won’t last forever…
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
In this wild, romantic part of Turkey, everywhere you look you are greeted by breathtaking views. A 50-mile long sliver of mountain and beach jutting in to aquamarine water offers an oasis of unspoilt, relatively untouched tranquillity, amidst the buzzing resorts of south west Turkey. Expect sleepy villages, goats slowing down traffic on coastal roads and old men chatting outside cafes. The ancient Greeks believed the port town of Datça was so perfect, it must have been personally created by the God, Zeus. Eamonn says simply ‘it’s a hidden paradise’.
INSIDER’S GUIDE
Muğla is the jewel in the area’s crown – a beautiful city with traditional old houses, narrow streets, surprising ancient history and stunning coves. Reminiscing about his trip seven summers ago, Eamonn says, ‘I’ve had happy holidays, necessary holidays, family-friendly holidays… but I’ve only ever had one special holiday… That was Marmaris, in Muğla, Turkey. Everything came together – from the location, to the views, to the accommodation – and the sun, which never stopped shining, unless it was to give way to a beautiful sunset’.