"I don't pretend to be Diana Ross - I am her"
We're catching up with a leading Diana Ross tribute from Sussex, ahead of the real Motown legend's Pride performance
Last updated 31st Jul 2026
Not many people can say they were called one of the most "amazing performers" the King has ever seen - but Stephanie Benson can.
The 58-year-old, from Chiddingly, has made a global name for herself as a singer-songwriter and actress.
But sometimes - she takes the name of the iconic Diana Ross.
"it's her performance. It's her light on stage. It's her smile. It's the costumes.
"Nowadays it's very hard to find all of that in one person, and she has it all in one person." Stephanie told Greatest Hits Radio that she decided to create a tribute act to the Motown legend after watching a show of hers shortly after her mother's death - and spotting similarities between the two of them.
"She reminded me of my mum because of the extravagance," Stephanie explained.
"Diana Ross has a way of inviting people onto her stage without actually bringing them onto the stage.
"She has an air about her that was very familiar to me. So I decided that I wanted to do a Diana Ross."
"I feel her - so I am her."
Through her career, as well as being hosted by the royals Stephanie has - as herself - even supported Stevie Wonder on tour.
But she explains when she's on stage as Diana, it goes beyond "pretending to be her":
"You cannot downplay Diana Ross.
"You cannot walk on that stage and just pretend. You have to be.
"I'm on there and I feel her. So I am her."
With Diana Ross herself headlining day two of Brighton's huge Pride celebrations, Stephanie says she'd love to speak to the icon about her life outside of the performing:
"I'd ask what is it like when you go home with the kids? Because my kids don't care much."
The two-day event is expected to attract 500,000 people to the city.
Other headliners include Raye, Five, and Holly Johnson.