I’d like to play Kylie and Jason’s lovechild in Neighbours
Celebrity Big Brother winner and Aussie drag star Courtney Act chats to MARION MCMULLEN
Viewers saw your Neighbours debut last month. What was it like appearing on the TV soap?
WHO could have imagined me on Neighbours working with Paul Robinson? I’d like to do more acting.
You know, I watched it all back and I didn’t think I sucked. I’m still pitching for a comeback for a more prolonged period. My dream would be turning up as Jason and Kylie’s love child. (Laughs) There was a rumour about that and I’m more than happy to make it a reality.
You broke down gender barriers dancing with Joshua Keefe in the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing. How was the experience?
CRAIG Revel Horwood was a judge on the Australian version and we did a group number together with him as Miss Hannigan from the musical Annie. He was playing the part on tour as well and it was a lot of fun so I know Craig. (Laughs)
There’s been talk judge Bruno Tonioli might not be able to do the new UK series and I’ve already fired off my CV and thrown my hat in the ring. I would love to be a judge or a contestant.
You rehearse for 40 hours a week for a dance number that lasts one minute 30 seconds. It can be nerve wracking by the time you get to perform it. I took some anti-inflammatories before one dance because I had hurt my wrist and I did a spin and couldn’t remember where I was and then it was like ‘Oh, I’m in front of an audience and being watched by millions’. It was one of the most fun experiences of my life.
Was winning Celebrity Big Brother a turning point for you?
IT was wonderful and gave me this career here in the UK and made me more mainstream. The UK embraced me and it got me noticed more back home in Australia.
How did I celebrate? It was quite dull. There was a little after-show party and when I got back to my hotel room, I met my manager who had come over from Australia. I was messaging the boys afterwards to meet up... and nothing.
I was sitting there with my pink and glitter eyebrows and shiny metallic dress (laughs).
The next morning I got a message saying ‘Sorry, we all fell asleep’. Real lightweights.
Where have you been spending lockdown?
I’VE been living in London, but first I was in LA.
LA was very different. Lots of sunshine and I could go jogging. I’m in East London now and I’ve been keeping to myself. I’ve not been out the door yet, but I’ve had time to work on my forthcoming book so that’s actually been a blessing in disguise. Everything else is on hold.
I’ve been talking to my publisher and the book – working title It’s All An Act – should be out in February. I spend most of my time procrastinating, but I’ve learned how to trick myself into working. I say to myself ‘all you have to do is 20 minutes of work’ and when 20 minutes is up I find I’m enjoying working and just carry on. I do have to put the phone in the other room though.
When did you start performing?
WHEN I was six my mum took me along to singing and drama classes and I just loved it. I moved to Sydney when I was 18 and started to go out to the bars and clubs on Oxford Street and would see these magical drag shows. This was before social media and the internet and the drag queens were touchable celebrities.
I loved to watch them with the costumes and the make up.
My own look is constantly evolving. My bone structure is quite girly and I rallied against that at first, but I’ve come to appreciate it. I grew up loving the Spice Girls and I was inspired by their style.
You’ll be touring the UK next year with new show Fluid. What can audiences expect? IT’S going to be fun with lots of new music – pop songs and power ballads and all sorts of different styles – and stories about my journey. I did the show earlier this year at Mardi Gras in Australia and I love being on stage in front of a live audience. The costumes are just amazing – so many Swarovski crystals – and I’ve even got a tiara.
■ Go to courtneyact.com for details of the 2021 Fluid tour.
My own look is constantly evolving... I grew up loving the Spice Girls and I was inspired by their style Courtney on fashion inspirations