For one night only, a cast of celebrities will channel their inner drag queens and unearth the divas within in a fabulous competition like no other. Queens For The Night, which is hosted by self-confessed drag lover Lorraine Kelly, will see six famous faces undergo the ultimate drag makeover.
“I’m so excited to be hosting this show. I am a huge fan of Drag and can not wait to see a host of well known stars embrace this uniquely wonderful and uplifting skill. It's a show that will have humour, warmth and above all lots and lots of glamour, I can’t wait to get started,” says Lorraine of being part of ITV's newest special, which was reportedly inspired by Ant & Dec getting 'dragged up' earlier this year on Saturday Night Takeaway.
But which celebrities will be taking part? Here's everything you need to know ahead of the special's airing on Saturday, November 5.
Simon Gregson aka Bidet Bardot
Best known for playing the loveable Steve McDonald on ITV's Coronation Street, Simon Gregson is the first celebrity set to be transformed into a drag queen. He will be aided by mentor Myra DuBois, who appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2020. Simon is set to bring his comedic talent to the stage in a bid to impress judges Melanie C, Rob Beckett, Courtney Act and Layton Williams.
Simon said of being part of the show: "I have been known to don some ladies' clothes in the past for a bit of a giggle, but I’ve never done anything serious so this is the first time. It’s very, very nerve wracking. It’s a new territory for me, so we will see how we get on…"
Adam Woodyatt aka Madame MiMi D’YooYoo
Simon Gregson's I'm A Celebrity co-star, Adam Woodyatt, joins him for this new ITV special. 54-year-old Adam, who is best known for his role on EastEnders as Ian Beale, will be mentored by Drag Race UK star Kitty Scott-Claus. The drag skill that he will be bringing to the table is impressions. Let's hope he will be able to make an impression on the judges.
Adam said: "Well, I can forget my lines for one. I could trip over the dress. I could trip over my heels and my wig could fall over my eyes. Who knows what could happen on the night!" Head here to check out Adam's interview with WalesOnline.
Read more: Drag Race UK: The fabulous Welsh acts that should be on our TV screens
Mr Motivator aka Proteina Turner
The iconic fitness instructor, whose real name is Derrick Errol Evans, is used to being flamboyant and fun on our screens after getting the nation fit since the early '90s. Now, Mr Motivator will tackle a whole new challenge and be helped by Drag Race UK's Asttina Mandella. He'll be hoping to wow the judges with his ability to lip sync... "FOR. HIS. LIFE." (Get the reference?)
Mr Motivator said: "You know what I’m having the time of my life. When you step out of your comfort zone and you do something you’ve never done and to have the support of Asttina who is great. It’s just wonderful especially at my wonderful age of nearly 70!"
Chris Hughes aka Orla Feelz
Perhaps best known for his stint on ITV2 dating show Love Island, Chris Hughes is a long way from the sunny villa here. Under the guidance of drag queen Margo Marshall, he'll be showing off his ability to dance on-stage. Just checking - Chris does know this isn't Strictly Come Dancing, right?
Speaking about why he signed up for the extravaganza, the 29-year-old explained: "I want to be a drag queen because in this world there’s so much toxic masculinity issues, it’s stigmatised. I’m a very emotional person, I cry on camera all the time whenever discussing emotional things. I’m a man and we should be able to cry. It’s great to be able to break that stigma down and people should be able to be themselves.
"If you want to cry, if you want to wear heels, if you want to wear makeup, it doesn’t matter who you are, you should be able to do your thing."
George Shelley aka Dame Shelley Sassy
Ladies and gentleman, we have a dame in our presence and that honour goes to Union J's George Shelley. He'll be singing on the ITV extravaganza, mentored by Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie star La Voix
"The Drag community is absolutely beautiful. It’s colourful, it’s everything that I want from life. For the first time I’m being part of that. I’m able to celebrate being gay and I’m able to celebrate being feminine and being all the parts of myself that I’ve had to keep inside a box for so long," the 29-year-old said of performing on the show.
Joe Marler aka Trixie Turnover
The final celebrity's usual career is about as far away from drag as you could get. England rugby player, Joe Marler, brings his ability to do magic to the table and will be transform into Trixie Turnover. Drag Race UK and UK vs The World winner Blu Hydrangea will be teaching him how to strut his stuff on stage.
Joe said: "I want to try something different, get out of my comfort zone and why not try drag. It's great fun. There’s lots of different qualities you need to be successful in drag. Strong calves are probably up there, but the main one is the ability to free yourself up, let yourself go and just go with the character as much as you can."
Queens For The Night airs on ITV at 8.30pm on Saturday, November 5. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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