The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Drag queen Ellie vamps up Dennis in homage to home
S intart your engines: Dundee’s Ellie Diamond made quite an impression the first episode of Rupaul’s Drag Race UK, wowing judges with a “Denace the Menace” look.
The 21-year-old paid homage to her home city in season two’s opening episode, crediting Beano comics for her style.
Ellie made an entrance when the second season launched on BBC iplayer on Thursday, dressed head to toe in pink, but it was her maxi challenge runway outfit which earned the judge’s praise and a place in the top three.
Contestants were asked to pick a look to honour their home towns and Ellie did not disappoint, donning red, black and a huge wig, inspired by Dennis the Menace, created by DC Thomson’s Beano.
Show host and drag icon Rupaul was full of praise for the young star, saying: “Your face is gorgeous.
Judge and television presenter Graham Norton called the comic-inspired look “genius”.
He said: “You have done Dundee proud. This is such a clever outfit.
“To take Dennis the Menace and turn it into this kind of vampy, 1940s pin-up is genius.
“So beautiful. Really stunning.”
Fellow judge Michelle Visage said it was “incredible” that Ellie made all her own costumes, while guest judge Liz Hurley called the outfit “fantastically clever”.
During the episode, Ellie spoke of how Dundee’s association with comics inspired her unique style.
She said: “I chose Dennis the Menace as my
hometown look because he was originally created in Dundee in 1951 by the Beano.
“My drag is definitely inspired by cartoons.
“I love to use bright colours – 99.9% of everything I brought to Drag Race is made by me.”
After the episode aired, Ellie said she was “so emotional” about the compliments she received.
The queens were asked to choose a British gay icon or ally to represent, with Ellie opting for comedian Paul O’grady’s drag personality Lily Savage.
Ellie said: “My mum used to talk about her a lot so as much as I’m representing Lily Savage, I’m also doing it for my mum.”
Celebrations were dampened for Ellie as her Instagram account was hacked just hours after the episode aired.
She said: “Last night was such an amazing moment and not to blow my own trumpet but I’m so, so proud. I can’t access my account at all but that won’t stop me from enjoying this moment.”
The season continues on BBC iplayer, with new episodes aired on Thursdays at 7pm.