La Voix in special EastEnders Pride episode: 'It's been the hardest secret to keep'
The Drag Race icon - who is currently on tour in the smash-hit musical Annie - is making an appearance in Walford for a special Pride episode
Last updated 7 hours ago
EastEnders is gearing up for a colourful Pride celebration, as entertainer, singer, comedian - and, of course, Drag Race UK icon - La Voix is set to make a special guest appearance this week in Albert Square.
After dazzling the crowds in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom last year, the Stockton-on-Tees powerhouse is once again bringing her love of performing to the small screen, this time at the Queen Vic, where she'll be entangling herself amidst a friendly rivalry with The Prince Albert, both competing to host the best Pride festivities.
It's not the only thing she's been getting up to, of course, after announcing the UK's Jury points at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, and touring the country as the Tyrannical Miss Hannigan in the latest musical adaptation of Annie.
Read more: Canada to compete in Eurovision Song Contest 2027
La Voix... Are you in EastEnders?
"Yes I am!"
Of all the iconic phrases to use from the show, of course, it's the iconic 'Get Out Of My Pub' line from Peggy Mitchell told us, as the nation gets ready to witness The Queen Vic and The Prince Albert locked in a fierce, glitter-filled rivalry to host the ultimate Pride party.
La Voix will be bringing her trademark wit and glamour to Albert Square - and of course the juicy drama - but she revealed how the whole thing has been pretty surreal.
She said: "We filmed this back in April, and even on the day, it just felt so bonkers to be there, and to see yourself in the Queen Vic is so surreal.
"The whole thing just caught me off-guard, really.
"When I got there, we were in the dressing room, as you would normally, and I was looking over my script, and then you walk down to set, and all of a sudden, all of those iconic places you'd remember from the telly just appear in front of you.
"All of a sudden, there's the Queen Vic, there's Albert Square, there's the Launderette - and it hits you, because these places, you've obviously never physically been to, but you feel like you know the place - more than anywhere else in your life.
"It's very surreal, that feeling, and to be filming the main bulk in the iconic Queen Vic was such a joy."
She's called it both a nerve-wracking experience, but also one that's been hugely unforgettable.
But La Voix revealed to Hits Radio Pride how she thought she'd just been cast as an on-set extra: "It all happened quite quickly, back when I was involved in the Strictly tour.
"I think I was so busy trying to still learn the Salsa and the Paso Doble, and not make an absolute fool of myself in all of these arenas, that when the call came in, I didn't not think anything of it, but I thought it would be the smallest part.
"I was thinking, maybe I'd be behind a beer pump, with a little bit of red hair in the background, or I'll be a passing extra in the Café.
"I didn't realise it was going to be this whole celebration of Pride, and me doing what I do in the Queen Vic pub, and I think what was most exciting was that they didn't give me a script for my performance scenes.
"They wanted me to improvise what I would do on a regular stage, doing stand-up and roasting an audience - and that's what you'll see!"
It's been a pretty unforgettable 12 months for the Stockton-on-Tees legend, becoming the United Kingdom’s very first Eurovision ‘spokesqueen’, delivering the results of the UK’s National Jury live from Salford during this year's Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final.
However, she says coming on EastEnders might just be the cherry on top of it all.
She said: "It's been the hardest secret to keep, but it's going to be the thing I'm going to be talking about forever more, quite frankly."
'These young performers are the stars of tomorrow'
La Voix is currently also on tour with the cast of Annie, which is heading across the UK, in what's been described as a 'glorious revival' of the smash-hit production.
She's been telling Hits Radio Pride all about the on-set shenanigans - but the joy of performing with such talented youngsters.
She said: "We've got real kids and a dog with us in the show - and you know what they say about working with children and animals - and when you throw La Voix into the mix, it's absolute chaos!
"It's great fun, and the kids in this show are really quite incredible.
"These young performers are the stars of the tomorrow.
"I was thinking in rehearsal that I need to up my game, seeing these 8-year-olds doing these amazing script deliveries and songs and dance routines!
"I'm so honoured, every night I step on stage with them, to be in those scenes with the orphans in the orphanage - they are just incredible."
'Filming such a special Pride episode made the experience even more meaningful'
Back to EastEnders, and La Voix has been describing just what it means to have been given the chance to follow the footsteps of so many legendary characters.
She reflected: “It was an absolute joy to step onto the iconic EastEnders set and become part of a programme that means so much to so many people.
"Walking around Albert Square for the first time was a real pinch-me moment!
"Filming such a special Pride episode made the experience even more meaningful.
"To celebrate love, community and being proud of who you are on a show that has always been at the heart of British culture is something I’ll never forget. Everyone was so welcoming, and I can’t wait for viewers to see what’s in store.”
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer said: “I’m delighted to welcome La Voix to Walford as we prepare to celebrate Pride, EastEnders-style.
"We hope the audience enjoy La Voix’s special guest appearance as much as everyone at EastEnders enjoyed having her in Walford.”
La Voix filmed her scenes in April, and fans of the show can look forward to celebrating Pride with a unique blend of entertainment and EastEnders drama.
You can check out the episode of EastEnders on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Thursday (July 2nd).