The Vivienne to make soap debut as part of Emmerdale’s first-ever Pride
"We’re making that little bit of history", declares the Drag Race UK winner.
By Will Stroude
Words: Will Stroude
The Vivienne will become a part of soap history next month when she takes part in Emmerdale’s first-ever on-screen Pride celebration.
The Drag Race UK star, who earlier this week was involved in bomb hoax at London’s iconic G-A-Y Heaven nightclub, will appear on the ITV soap as herself next month (June) as the residents of Emmerdale village mark Pride for the first time in the show’s 49-year history.
“I am so happy that I will be part of Emmerdale‘s first-ever Pride”, says The Vivienne in a statement.
“My role is to officially open the event on the stage! It’s great for Emmerdale to be doing this and I’m delighted to be part of it.
“We’re making that little bit of history for all the gays and the LGBTQ+ community and it’s just an absolute honour.”
Emmerdale producer, Kate Brooks said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome The Vivienne to Emmerdale to help our villagers celebrate this year’s Pride event in style.
“The Vivienne will add a dash of her own inimitable wit and fabulousness to the show and will certainly raise a few eyebrows in the process.”
The Vivenne’s upcoming soap debut will add another string to the Drag Race UK champ’s bow following the release of singles ‘Tonight’ and ‘You Spin Me Round’ in recent months.
Emmerdale has continued to make important strides when it comes to LGBTQ representation in recent years, casting trans actor Ash Palmisciano as trans character Matty Barton in 2018.
The long-running series won’t be the first British soap to portray a Pride celebration onscreen, however: that accolade goes to the BBC’s EastEnders, which aired its first Pride scenes back in 2019 to coincide with Pride in London.