HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR
The Vivienne’s out to beat DOI host Willoughby... in the fashion skates
EXCLUSIVE
BY TV and Showbiz Editor DANCING on Ice star The Vivienne will have her eye on two prizes in tonight’s final – as well as being crowned winner, she wants to beat Holly Willoughby and Oti Mabuse in the glamour department.
The drag queen, 30, revealed the competition has been hotting up between herself, host Holly and judge Oti as they all try to outdo each other with their glitzy gowns.
And The Vivienne, 30, admitted she’s planning to take all her skating outfits with her as a parting gift.
She said: “When we skated to Evita, Holly said ‘Oh my God, I love that dress!’ Me and Holly have found our mutual love of shiny things.
“Oti has out-dragged me a couple of times this season. She’s fabulous.”
But the Welsh star admitted: “One of Holly’s dresses would probably fit on my thigh so I’ll take two. I’m taking all the outfits with me.”
The star – real name James Lee Williams – heaped praise on ITV for putting a drag queen on the primetime show and said she is proud to represent the LGBTQ+ community and inspire young people to be themselves.
She explained: “I’m so blessed ITV have put me on. They’ve been doing it for years with Lily Savage. It’s nothing new. But I’m honoured to fly the flag.
“We have inspired youngsters, who are watching us and copying us.”
The Vivienne glided into the final despite suffering a fall during her solo skate in last week’s semi and has vowed to “go big or go home” when she takes on reality star Joey Essex, 32, and Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson, 27.
She refused to give too much away about her last performances with pro-skater Colin Grafton, but teased: “All I can say about my final routine is that it’s The Hunger Games of Dancing on Ice.”
The show has also inspired her to take on more challenges. She said: “It’s given me a new lease of life. I’m going to start driving and learn to play the piano.”
Dancing On Ice is on ITV at 6.30pm.
Joey: Rink antics are a smart move
REALITY TV’s Joey Essex hopes Dancing on Ice will spin people’s opinions about him.
The former TOWIE favourite has previously been teased for being unable to tell the time, thinking tiny horses power cars and that a square has six sides.
He said: “This was my time to show people I am dedicated and I’m not as unintelligent as people think I am. Everyone has presumed that I’m silly and stupid.
“People thought I’d be all over the place, falling over, not able to do this. It’s changed me, it’s given me more discipline.”
There have been rumours of romance with his ice partner Vanessa Bauer, 26. He said their relationship is “wholesome” and “special” and if they win they would celebrate with Vanessa’s family.
NILE Wilson plans to fill the Dancing on Ice trophy with champagne and down it with pro partner Olivia Smart if the pair win tonight’s final.
The retired Olympic gymnast said: “It’s been overwhelming and amazing – we plan to neck a full bottle of champagne out of the trophy.
“I’m excited to put my feet up and be back with my family and girlfriend.”
Promising a “risky” routine, Nile has set his sights on a career change. He added: “I’ve learnt about myself, skills I can take forward. I was comfortable fitting into the performing aspect with my background and I’d like
to explore that more.”