Quick Read
- La Voix was the first drag queen contestant on Strictly Come Dancing.
- She withdrew from the show in 2025 due to injury but made a celebrated return at the final.
- La Voix will join the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour in 2026, reuniting with professional partner Aljaž Škorjanec.
In the glittering world of Strictly Come Dancing, 2025 was a year marked by unforgettable moments, emotional exits, and triumphant returns. One name stood out above the sequins and the spotlights: La Voix, the show’s first-ever drag queen contestant, whose journey captured both the challenges and the possibilities of representation on mainstream television.
La Voix: Breaking Barriers on the Dance Floor
Strictly Come Dancing has always been a stage for diverse talent, but the inclusion of La Voix—known off-stage as Chris Dennis—was a historic step. Paired with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, La Voix brought charisma, humor, and a fresh energy that resonated with audiences. Her presence was more than just entertainment; it was a statement about inclusivity, individuality, and the evolving face of British television.
The excitement, however, was cut short when La Voix suffered an injury just before the iconic Blackpool week, forcing her to withdraw from the competition. The exit wasn’t just a setback for her personally—it was a moment that rippled through the show’s fanbase, with many expressing disappointment and wishing for her swift recovery. At Blackpool, Strictly’s producers paid tribute to La Voix with a heartfelt send-off, ensuring no contestant was eliminated that week in her honor. According to Manchester Evening News, the absence left a void, but also set the stage for an anticipated return.
A Triumphant Return: The 2025 Final
When the curtain rose on the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing final, the sense of anticipation was palpable. Not only were viewers eager to see which of the three finalists—Amber Davies with Nikita Kuzmin, Karen Carney with Carlos Gu, or George Clarke with Alexis Warr—would lift the Glitterball Trophy, but they were also waiting to see if La Voix would make an appearance.
The final, broadcast on December 20, 2025, was a bittersweet milestone: presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman hosted their last show, and Claudia’s ‘keep dancing’ jacket paid homage to the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. Yet, it was La Voix’s presence in the Clauditorium, front and center among her fellow contestants, that sparked the loudest cheer. Fans took to social media to share their joy, describing her return as ‘greeting an old friend’ and celebrating the warmth she brought to the stage. As Manchester Evening News reported, La Voix’s reunion with the Strictly family was a highlight, with many hoping she’d one day step into a presenting role herself.
Strictly Live Tour 2026: La Voix Steps Back into the Spotlight
The story didn’t end with the finale. In January and February 2026, the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour will see several celebrities and their professional partners, including La Voix and Aljaž, return to the dance floor. For La Voix, this is not just a comeback—it’s a second chance to share her artistry with audiences across the UK, free from the pressure of competition and injury.
The tour, spanning 30 dates and culminating at London’s O2 Arena, will feature routines that defined the series. La Voix and Aljaž are expected to revisit their Couple’s Choice routine, a favorite among fans. The tour also includes other notable pairings: George Clarke and Alexis Warr, Lewis Cope and Katya Jones, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley, Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer, Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola, and Vicky Pattison with Kai Widdrington. As reported by Cosmopolitan, not all contestants from the televised series will join the tour, with finalists Amber Davies and Karen Carney unable to attend due to prior commitments.
Public Reaction and the Power of Representation
The return of La Voix was met with an outpouring of support. Social media buzzed with excitement, as fans posted messages celebrating her resilience and the joy she brought to the show. For many, her journey was emblematic of the broader cultural shift towards acceptance and diversity in entertainment. Comments like “Seeing la voix is like greeting an old friend” and “LA VOIX BACK ON MY SCREEN” reflect not only personal admiration but also a collective embrace of difference.
Strictly’s willingness to showcase a drag performer on prime-time television was seen as groundbreaking. It prompted conversations about the importance of visibility for LGBTQ+ artists, especially in formats that have historically favored more conventional participants. La Voix’s story—her injury, her comeback, and her ongoing presence—became a metaphor for persistence in the face of adversity.
Strictly’s 2025 Final: Winners, Losers, and Lasting Impact
While the spotlight often falls on the winners, the 2025 final was memorable for its sense of community. According to BollywoodShaadis, speculation swirled around Karen Carney as the likely winner, with Amber Davies and George Clarke close behind. The judges, including Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke, kept the tension high, but the camaraderie among contestants—especially those like La Voix who had overcome setbacks—was what truly defined the night.
As the voting lines closed and the trophy was awarded, it was clear that Strictly Come Dancing had evolved. The show was no longer just a contest of steps and spins; it had become a platform for stories that mattered. La Voix’s journey, from a trailblazing entrance to an emotional return, will be remembered not just as a personal achievement, but as a cultural milestone for British television.
La Voix’s impact on Strictly Come Dancing goes beyond entertainment—it’s a powerful reminder that representation matters. Her courage in returning to the stage after injury, and the warmth with which fans welcomed her back, signal a shift in what audiences value: authenticity, diversity, and the ability to inspire others simply by being true to oneself.