The glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing have welcomed a bold new contender, as RuPaul’s Drag Race star La Voix sashays onto the BBC ballroom floor, vying for the coveted Glitterball Trophy alongside her professional partner, Aljaž Škorjanec. But it’s not just her dance moves turning heads—this 45-year-old diva is sparking conversation with her sharp wit, cheeky quips, and a potential bid to shake up the show’s hosting lineup.
Upon joining the star-studded cast of 15 celebrities, La Voix didn’t hesitate to tap into the wisdom of Strictly alumni. She sought advice from her RuPaul’s Drag Race co-star Michelle Visage, who competed in 2019 with Giovanni Pernice but exited early after a Vogue routine that failed to impress. Michelle’s warning to La Voix was crystal clear: steer clear of that same dance if she wants to stay in the competition. La Voix also has her sights set on picking the brain of 2017 champion Joe McFadden, who lifted the trophy with Katya Jones, hoping to glean tips to secure her own path to victory.
But it’s La Voix’s off-stage connections and razor-sharp commentary that are stealing the spotlight. Revealing a personal tie to the show’s beloved host Tess Daly, La Voix shared with Heat Magazine, “I did panto last year with Vernon Kay, so there’s a link there with Tess. They live down the road, so I’ll be sharing the bus home with her—although she’s not a judge, so it’s a wasted connection!” Her playful jab highlights her knack for blending charm with a touch of mischief, a trait that’s quickly winning over fans.
During the first live show of the season, La Voix’s presence electrified social media, particularly on X, where viewers began rallying for her to take on a bigger role—potentially replacing Tess Daly as host. Tess, a Strictly staple since its inception in 2004 and co-host alongside Claudia Winkleman since 2014, found herself at the center of heated debate. One enthusiastic fan posted, “2026 needs to see La Voix taking over from Tess presenting. I said what I said #strictly.” Another chimed in, “La Voix is truly the BEST option Strictly could ever have picked to be the show’s first contestant in drag. I will never grow tired of her—honestly, give her Tess’ job next series, please and thank you.”
However, not everyone is ready to see Tess step aside. Supporters rushed to her defense, with one viewer writing, “I think Tess Daly gets a really bad rap on #StrictlyComeDancing. She’s lovely, personable, and always puts the contestants at ease. She’s a great foil for the judges, especially Craig.” Another added, “Everyone is always so mean to Tess, please, she’s just trying her best.”
The drama didn’t stop there. La Voix’s quick wit shone during the live show when, after her dazzling American Smooth routine, she turned her attention to Tess’s black mini dress with turquoise ruffle detail. “I love this,” she quipped. “I’ve got a bath mat that matches.” The cheeky remark sent fans into a frenzy, with one posting, “I’m still tickled over La Voix’s comment about Tess’s dress. I can’t wait for what other comments she comes up with. She doesn’t give a s**t and I love it x #Strictly.” Another shared a GIF of Gwen Stefani laughing, captioning it, “La Voix’s joke about Tess’s dress looking like her bath mat #StrictlyComeDancing.”
As La Voix continues her Strictly journey, she’s proving to be more than just a competitor—she’s a force of personality, sparking both laughter and debate. Whether she’s eyeing the Glitterball Trophy or, as fans suggest, Tess Daly’s hosting chair, one thing is certain: La Voix is bringing a new kind of sparkle to the Strictly ballroom, and viewers can’t get enough.