Courtney: Ex-MP was such a drag

CHAMPION Courtney Act says it was “challenging” to “tolerate” Ann Widdecombe.

The drag performer clashed with her for voting against gay rights as an MP.

In a tell-all chat the Aussie, 36, said: “Myself and Ann had very different views and it was challenging.

“She’s like your grandma at Christmas dinner – she doesn’t approve of your lifestyle but you smile and tolerate and get through dinner because it’s the polite thing to do.

“But your grandma’s not normally a household name who spent 20 years in Parliament voting against your human rights. “So that was a real conflict for me. I had to keep reminding myself that I couldn’t change her opinions but maybe people at home could see both sides of the story.” Courtney, real name Shane Jenek, added: “Her views on marriage equality or the age of consent…on paper they are homophobic but she was very friendly in person. I don’t think she intended to be that way.”

Courtney stormed to victory in Friday’s final after securing almost half of all the votes in a five-way battle. Ann got 30%. Courtney added: “I was thrilled and overwhelmed by the 49% figures for me but also shocked by how many votes Ann got. I don’t feel that people in the final vote to support the villain.

“But 30% of people like her. People do support her views but thankfully the majority of them don’t.”