Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Strictly 2019: RuPaul's Drag Race star Michelle Visage announced as contestant

'I want to be out there representing women of a certain age'

Jacob Stolworthy
Monday 05 August 2019 08:03 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Another celebrity taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing hs been announced.

Joining comedian Chris Ramsay, former EastEnders star Emma Barton and ex-footballer David James is Michelle Visage.

The RuPaul’s Drag Race star, 50, was announced as a contestant on ITV morning show Lorraine.

Speaking about her appointment, Visage said she was happy to be representing “women of a certain age” in the BBC dancing competition.

“I’m very excited, I’m actually over the moon. This is one show I’ve loved for years,” Visage said, adding: “I’m a woman that’s 50-years-old and I want to be out there representing women of a certain age.”

Other contestants to be announced so far include former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley, social media star Saffron Barker, CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual and sports presenter Mike Bushell.

Emma Thynn, Viscountess Weymouth was also announced to be participating over the weekend.

Earlier this month it was announced that new judge Motsi Mabuse would replace ballerina Darcey Bussell, who stepped down from the judging panel after seven years.

Mabuse will be joined by returning judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returning as hosts.

Last year’s series saw broadcaster Stacey Dooley win with professional partner Kevin Clifton.

The 2019 edition will be without professional dancer Pasha Kovalev who recently announced he had quit the show after “eight incredible years” to “find a new challenge”.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in