Tayce Explained

Tayce
Birth Name:Tayce Szura-Radix
Birth Date:28 May 1994
Birth Place:Newport, Wales
Occupation:Drag queen, model
Years Active:2017–present
Height Ft:6.1
Television:RuPaul's Drag Race UK (series 2)

Tayce Szura-Radix (stage name Tayce; born 28 May 1994) is a Welsh drag queen, rapper, and model from Newport, Wales.[1] She is best known for competing in the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, in which she placed joint runner-up.

Career

2017–2020: Pre-Drag Race UK

Tayce moved to London in her late teens. After getting fired from a series of jobs, she became a full-time professional drag queen in 2017.[2] In June 2017, QX Magazine called her 'London's most promising new drag star.'[3] In 2018, she became Bougie Drag Brunch's first featured queen, performing there regularly alongside other drag queens such as Honey Foxx and Drag Race UK Series Five contestant Cara Melle.[4] In January 2020, Tayce attended the first ever RuPaul's DragCon UK and performed alongside Shea Couleé and Ore-Ho on the main stage.[5]

2020–2021: Drag Race UK Series Two

In December 2020, Tayce was announced as one of twelve contestants competing on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Tayce won the main challenge in Episode 5 "The RuRuvision Song Contest" (alongside A'Whora, Bimini Bon-Boulash and Lawrence Chaney). However, she also landed in the "bottom two" four times, and had to lip-sync in order to stay in the competition. She won her first three lip-syncs, and sent home Cherry Valentine, Sister Sister and A'Whora. Her performance in the lip sync against Cherry Valentine, to the Cats song 'Memory', went viral.[6] Her fourth lip-sync against Ellie Diamond was declared a "double-shantay", with neither queen being eliminated. Tayce was the first ever contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race UK to survive four lip-syncs and win three of them, and is therefore often called a "lip-sync assassin".[7] She made it to the finale and, alongside Bimini, placed joint runner-up to Lawrence Chaney.

2021–present: Post-Drag Race success; breakthrough into modelling, presenting, and music

Tayce frequently performs at nightclubs, predominantly in London and New York.[8] In May 2021, she was a featured performer at Drive Time Drag, a drag drive-in show which was the first of its kind in the UK.[9] Tayce embarked on the sold out United Kingdolls Tour (alongside A'Whora, Bimini Bon-Boulash and Lawrence Chaney) with promoter Klub Kids in July 2021,[10] and in February 2022 Tayce embarked on RuPaul's Drag Race UK: The Official Tour (alongside the entire cast of the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK), in association with World of Wonder and promoter Voss Events.[11] In September 2022, Tayce launched a solo tour across the UK, The Assassination Tour, with promoter Klub Kids.[12] In September 2023, Tayce joined Voss Events' Night of the Living Drag tour across the US alongside international RuPaul's Drag Race alumni.[13]

Other ventures

Brand campaigns

In March 2021, Tayce was announced as an ambassador for Coca-Cola's "Open That Cola!" campaign in the United Kingdom.[14]

In April 2021, Tayce, alongside fellow Drag Race contestant A'Whora, co-launched The Bluebella Pride Collection, a lingerie line by brand Bluebella. Proceeds from the collection were donated to the Kaleidoscope Trust, a British non-profit which promotes the abolition of anti-gay laws in the Commonwealth.[15] In June 2021, Tayce partnered with Boohoo owned fashion brand Nasty Gal for a 60-piece gender neutral capsule collection.[16] [17]

In April 2022, Tayce teamed up with Absolut Vodka, Chet Lo, and the Institute of Digital Fashion for the #BornToMix campaign, in which Tayce modelled a digital dress designed by Chet Lo.[18]

Modelling

Tayce is currently signed with Models 1, the largest modelling agency in Europe.[19] She has walked runways for designer brands such as Richard Quinn, The Blonds, EgonLab, and Namilia.[20] [21] [22] She has also modelled in two Jean Paul Gaultier fragrance campaigns.

Hosting and radio

Tayce has been a frequent collaborator with the BBC (especially BBC Radio 1 and BBC Sounds). In August 2021, she presented the Saturday breakfast show slot on BBC Radio 1 from 9:30am, alongside Clara Amfo, as part of Drag Day also featuring Tayce's fellow Series 2 contestants: Bimini Bon-Boulash and Lawrence Chaney, as well as DJ Jodie Harsh.[23] Tayce has also presented a mindfulness-based programme in collaboration with BBC Radio 1 Relax (a BBC Sounds exclusive subsidiary of BBC Radio 1).[24] Since 2021, Tayce has hosted MTV's Queerpiphany alongside Munroe Bergdorf.[25] In June 2024 Tayce presented the Sky TV original documentary ‘’Striking With Pride - United at the Coal Face’’ [26] where she tells children the real story behind the 2015 hit film Pride

Music

In December 2022, Tayce released her debut rap single, "Swagzilla". In November 2023, she was featured on Jan Sport's single "For You Only".[27]

Personal life

Tayce's father is Roger Radix, a former bass guitarist for Wham![28] She currently resides in Streatham in South London, England and formerly lived with fellow RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestant A'Whora.[29]

On episode eight of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Tayce opened up about how being diagnosed with chlamydia and gonorrhea at the age of 18 damaged her self-esteem, and altered her feelings towards relationships due to emotions of shame and guilt.[30] Tayce's openness when discussing this experience was commended for breaking stigmas around sexually transmitted infections, including by British charity the Terrence Higgins Trust.[31]

Tayce is gay, and uses she/her pronouns while in drag, and he/him pronouns while out of drag.[32] [33]

Filmography

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
2019Your Face or MineThemselvesSeries 5, Episode 6[34]
2021RuPaul's Drag Race UKContestantSeries 2 Runner-up[35]
Richard Quinn A/W21Herself (cameo)Fashion film[36]
Celebrity GoggleboxHerselfalongside Tia Kofi[37]
QueerpiphanyHerselfCo-host[38]
Be Here, Be QueerHerselfNetflix special[39]
2023The National Lottery's New Year's Eve Big BashHerselfalongside Baga Chipz, Cheryl Hole, Kitty Scott-Claus and Cara Melle[40]
2024Striking With Pride - United at the Coal FaceHerselfSky Documentaries, Story Films, alongside Jonathon Blake, Beaufort male Choir[41]

Music videos

As lead artist

As guest appearance
YearTitleArtist
2020"Levitating" (The Blessed Madonna Remix featuring Madonna and Missy Elliott)Dua Lipa[42]
"Baby"Madison Beer[43]
2021"My House"Jodie Harsh
"Confetti"Little Mix[44]

Web series

YearTitleRoleNotes
2019The Gold RushHerselfTrashTV[45]
2021Cosmo Queens UKHerselfCosmopolitan UK[46]
2022God Shave the QueensHerselfFeatured queen[47]
Bring Back My GirlsHerselfGuest[48]

Discography

As featured artist

Title! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:1em;"
YearPeaksAlbum
UK
[49]
UK

[50]
"UK Hun?"
2021273rowspan="2"
"A Little Bit of Love"
"For You Only"
2023 Non-album single

Stage

YearTitlePromoterLocations
2021Drive Time DragThe Parking Lot SocialCheltenham, Coventry, and Bristol
2021United Kingdolls The TourKlub KidsTorquay, Southampton, Newcastle, Glasgow, Sheffield, Leeds, Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and London
2021MODEKlub KidsManchester, Cardiff, London, Glasgow, and Amsterdam[51]
2022RuPaul's Drag Race UK: The Official TourVoss Events / World Of WonderIpswich, Oxford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Nottingham, Bournemouth, Southend, Manchester, Sheffield, Blackpool, Llandudno, Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Plymouth, London, Derby, Bristol, Bradford, Aberdeen, Southampton, Stockton, Brighton, and Newport
2022United Kingdolls TourITD Events / Klub KidsSydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, and Wellington[52]
2022Tayce: The Assassination TourKlub KidsLondon, Reading, Southampton, Bristol, Torquay, Nottingham, Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Dundee, Glasgow, Newcastle, and Cardiff[53]
2023RuPaul's Drag Race: Night of the Living DragVoss EventsNiagara Falls, ON, Waterbury, CT, Portland, ME, Albany, NY, Roanoke, VA, Norfolk, VA, Atlantic City, NJ, Bethlehem, PA, Charleston, WV, Evansville, IN, Saint Louis, MO, Ames, IA, Fort Wayne, IN, Nashville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Chattanooga, TN, Shreveport, LA, Baton Rouge, LA, Mobile, AL, Birmingham, AL, Memphis, TN, Hammond, IN, Toledo, OH, Hanover, MD, and Newark, NJ[54]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 'Doing this for Wales': Newport queen to compete in RuPaul's Drag Race UK. 27 January 2021. South Wales Argus. 20 December 2020 . en. 22 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201222183101/https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/18958308.rupauls-drag-race-uk-includes-tayce-newport-wales/. live.
  2. Web site: 2021-03-17 . Tayce Is The Big-Hearted Welsh Queen Bringing New Meaning To The Word Fierce . 2023-10-01 . British Vogue . en-GB.
  3. Web site: Team . Q. X. . 2017-06-02 . TAYCE - Meet London's most promising new drag star . 2023-10-01 . QX Magazine . en-GB.
  4. Web site: Ali . Joseph . 2022-03-07 . 'I need more already!' We went to the Bougie Drag Brunch and it was brilliant . 2023-09-30 . WalesOnline . en.
  5. Web site: Yates. Jonathan. 20 January 2020. RuPaul's DragCon UK. 27 January 2021. MyLondon. en. 13 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230413222653/https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/gallery/rupauls-dragcon-uk-17599621. live.
  6. Web site: 2021-01-21 . RuPaul's Drag Race UK's Cats lip sync makes judge cry but fans are divided . 2023-09-30 . Digital Spy . en-GB.
  7. News: 'Drag Race U.K.'s Tayce Joined An Elite Group With the Last Episode. 12 March 2021. Mikelle. Street. Out. 13 March 2021. 13 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210313042013/https://www.out.com/television/2021/3/12/yes-drag-race-uks-tayce-made-show-herstory-last-episode. live.
  8. Web site: Meet Tayce RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series 2. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210215210654/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AzCwIDDndg. 15 February 2021. YouTube.
  9. News: Huge drive-in festival coming to Edinburgh in May with RuPaul's Drag Race stars. 8 March 2021. Claire. Galloway. Edinburgh Live. 10 March 2021. 9 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210309013807/https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/best-in-edinburgh/whats-on-news/huge-drive-festival-coming-edinburgh-19992368. live.
  10. Web site: United Kingdolls The Tour. Klub Kids. 13 March 2021. 3 August 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200803113930/http://www.klubkids.co.uk/ro-laska-tox/. live.
  11. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race UK Tour. 2021-03-26. Voss Events. en. 1 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210501032451/https://vossevents.com/rupauls-drag-race-uk-tour/. dead.
  12. Web site: TAYCE – The Assassination Tour – Clapham Grand, London – Clapham Grand . 2023-09-30 . claphamgrand.com . en.
  13. Web site: RuPaul's 'Night of the Living Drag' takes the stage at Stephens Auditorium for an October show . 2023-09-30 . The Ames Tribune . en-US.
  14. News: Drag Race U.K.' Finalist Tayce Is Now a Face of Coca Cola. March 24, 2021. Mikelle. Street. Out. March 24, 2021. 24 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210324145636/https://www.out.com/drag/2021/3/24/drag-race-uk-finalist-tayce-now-face-coca-cola. live.
  15. News: Drag Race UK stars Tayce and A'Whora tackle anti-gay laws in fierce Pride campaign. April 29, 2021. Sam. Damshenas. Gay Times . April 30, 2021. 30 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210430151650/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/drag-race-uk-stars-tayce-and-awhora-tackle-anti-gay-laws-in-fierce-pride-campaign/. live.
  16. News: Exclusive: Drag Race UK star Tayce is 'pushing out the gender spectrum' with first capsule collection. June 23, 2021. Sam. Damshenas. Gay Times. June 25, 2021. 25 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210625184725/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/exclusive-drag-race-uk-star-tayce-is-pushing-out-the-gender-spectrum-with-first-capsule-collection/. live.
  17. News: Drag Race's Tayce on her 'special' fashion range and who she'd go head-to-head with on All Stars. June 23, 2021. Jonny. Yates. PinkNews. June 25, 2021. 25 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210625184730/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/06/23/tayce-nasty-gal-collection-drag-race-uk-blazer-leather-jacket-graphic-tees/. live.
  18. Web site: Dazed . 2022-04-27 . Absolut unites Chet Lo, Tayce, and IoDF to explore the future of fashion . 2023-10-01 . Dazed . en.
  19. News: 'Drag Race U.K.'s Tayce Signs to Europe's Biggest Model Agency. April 14, 2021. Mikelle. Street. Out. April 15, 2021. 15 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210415035141/https://www.out.com/drag/2021/4/14/drag-race-uks-tayce-signs-europes-biggest-model-agencie. live.
  20. Web site: 2021-09-22 . 'Drag Race' Stars Bimini And Tayce Took Over London Fashion Week . 2023-09-30 . Yahoo News . en-US.
  21. Web site: The Blonds . 2023-09-30 . models.com.
  22. Web site: 2023-01-23 . Breaking Down Paris Men's Fashion Week For You. . 2023-09-30 . Voir Fashion . en-GB.
  23. News: 2021-08-11. Drag queens Jodie Harsh and Bimini to host Radio 1 shows. en-GB. BBC News. 2021-08-20. 20 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210820002838/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-58173560. live.
  24. Web site: Tayce is our Radio 1 Relax dragony aunt! . 2021-06-29. Twitter. en. 9 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181217/https://twitter.com/bbcr1/status/1389203085189390339. live.
  25. Web site: James . Alastair . 2023-09-01 . Munroe Bergdorf and Tayce return with Queerpiphany Season 3 . 2023-09-30 . Attitude . en-GB.
  26. Web site: Sky Documentaries set to explore the real-life stories featured in the film Pride, in brand-new feature film, Striking With Pride: United at the Coalface . www.skygroup.sky . en-gb.
  27. Web site: Spotify . 2023-11-04 . open.spotify.com.
  28. News: RuPaul's Drag Race UK's Tayce reveals dad was in Wham! with George Michael and we are stunned. 18 March 2021. Tilly. Pearce. Metro. 18 March 2021. 18 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210318194030/https://metro.co.uk/2021/03/18/rupauls-drag-race-uks-tayce-reveals-dad-was-in-wham-with-george-michael-14267492/. live.
  29. Web site: 4 January 2021. A'Whora and Tayce make bold statement about Drag Race UK season 2. 27 January 2021. GAY TIMES. en-GB. 25 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210125231512/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/drag/awhora-and-tayce-make-bold-statement-about-drag-race-uk-season-2/. live.
  30. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series 2 Episode 8. 7 March 2021. BBC iPlayer. 5 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210305152323/https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p097799v/rupauls-drag-race-uk-series-2-episode-8. live.
  31. Web site: thtorguk Aside from the physical effects, two of the biggest consequences of STIs are feelings of shame and guilt.. live. 7 March 2021. www.instagram.com. 13 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230413222700/https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/.
  32. Web site: Tayce & A'Whora Could Be 'Drag Race UK's Newest Power Couple. 27 January 2021. Bustle. 25 January 2021 . en. 27 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210127081235/https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/are-drag-race-tayce-awhora-dating. live.
  33. Web site: 'Drag was always a protest, a political statement': RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalists open up. September 12, 2021. Nicholson. Rebecca. The Guardian. 13 March 2021. en. 13 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210313080614/https://www.theguardian.com/global/2021/mar/13/ru-pauls-drag-race-uk-finalists-ellie-diamond-lawrence-chaney-tayce-bimini-bon-boulash. live.
  34. Web site: "We Made Her Put Her Make Up On In The Dark" Your Face Or Mine - YouTube. 26 January 2021. www.youtube.com. 2 February 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210202233634/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l077wuNSsgQ. live.
  35. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race UK series two. https://web.archive.org/web/20201216115708/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/rpdr2-queens. 16 December 2020. 26 January 2021. www.bbc.co.uk. live.
  36. News: Tayce and Bimini Dazzle in Richard Quinn's Fantastical London Film Mario Abad. June 23, 2021. Mario. Abad. Paper Magazine. June 23, 2021. 24 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624092514/https://www.papermag.com/richard-quinn-tayce-bimini-2653506547.html?rebelltitem=2#rebelltitem2. live.
  37. News: Celebrity Gogglebox confirms Ashley and Jordan Banjo for line-up with Drag Race stars. September 8, 2021. Kirsty. McCormack. Mirror. September 8, 2021. 8 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210908192849/https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/celebrity-gogglebox-confirms-ashley-jordan-24940571. live.
  38. News: Munroe Bergdorf and Tayce co-host iconic queer pop culture MTV series. Conor. Clark. Gay Times. November 26, 2021. 26 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211126060604/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/television/munroe-bergdorf-and-tayce-co-host-iconic-queer-pop-culture-mtv-series/. live.
  39. Web site: 2021-12-30. Drag Race UK's The Vivienne, Tia Kofi and more discuss drag in the UK in new Netflix film. 2021-12-30. Attitude.co.uk. en. 2021-12-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20211230193127/https://attitude.co.uk/article/drag-race-uks-the-vivienne-tia-kofi-and-more-discuss-drag-in-the-uk-in-new-netflix-film-1/26406/. live.
  40. Web site: 2024-01-04 . The National Lottery's New Year's Eve Big Bash Episode 1 Week 01 Press Centre . live . https://archive.today/20240104104503/https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1weekweek-01-2024-sat-30-dec-fri-05-jan/national-lotterys-new-years-eve-big-bash . 2024-01-04 . 2024-01-04 . ITV.com.
  41. Web site: Sky Documentaries set to explore the real-life stories featured in the film Pride, in brand-new feature film, Striking With Pride: United at the Coalface . www.skygroup.sky . en-gb.
  42. Web site: Dua Lipa - Levitating (feat. Madonna and Missy Elliott) [The Blessed Madonna Remix] (Official Video) - YouTube]. 26 January 2021. www.youtube.com. 14 August 2020. https://archive.today/20200814151844/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3tCHMagPOY. live.
  43. Web site: 20 October 2020. Premiere: Madison Beer recruits drag queens Crystal, Asttina, Bimini and Tayce for new Baby video. 26 January 2021. GAY TIMES. en-GB. 4 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201204203423/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/drag/premiere-madison-beer-recruits-drag-queens-crystal-asttina-bimini-and-tayce-for-new-baby-video/. live.
  44. Web site: 30 April 2021. Little Mix transform into drag kings with help from Tayce and Bimini for iconic new video. Maggie Baska. 30 April 2021. PinkNews. en-GB. 30 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210430105223/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/04/30/little-mix-drag-race-uk-tayce-bimini-bon-boulash-awhora-confetti-music-video/. live.
  45. Web site: THE GOLD RUSH: S1E4 DIVA'S WEEK ft. Tayce from RuPaul's Drag Race UK - YouTube. 26 January 2021. www.youtube.com. 1 February 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210201013112/https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=2051&v=48aaq5nYfMY&feature=youtu.be. live.
  46. Web site: Drag Race UK's Tayce is here to slay with this iconic makeup transformation Cosmo Queens UK. April 20, 2021. 30 April 2021. YouTube. 30 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180243/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH4UUIDs_VE. live.
  47. Web site: 'God Shave the Queens' Season 2 Trailer: Watch Your Favorite 'Drag Race UK' Stars Go on Tour! (Exclusive). ET Online. 26 July 2022. 30 July 2022. 30 July 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220730045139/https://www.etonline.com/god-shave-the-queens-season-2-trailer-watch-your-favorite-drag-race-uk-stars-go-on-tour-exclusive. live.
  48. News: 'Bring Back My Girls': WOW Presents Plus Sets Original Series, Will Film Live At DragCon LA. Del Rosario. Alexandra. May 5, 2022. Deadline. May 16, 2022. en. 16 May 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220516201320/https://deadline.com/2022/05/bring-back-my-girls-wow-presents-plus-original-series-film-live-dragcon-1235015480/. live.
  49. Web site: United Kingdolls full Official Chart History. Official Charts Company. 19 February 2021. 1 September 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220901094825/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/59541/united-kingdolls/. live.
  50. Web site: The Official Big Top 40 Chart for 21 February 2021. live. The Official Big Top 40. 21 February 2021. 23 February 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210223133008/https://www.bigtop40.com/charts/2021/8/.
  51. Web site: MODE. 2021-05-07. Klub Kids. 10 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210510142432/https://klubkids.co.uk/symone/. live.
  52. Web site: United Kingdolls Tour » ITDEVENTS. 2021-05-05. ITDEVENTS. en-AU. 5 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210505221419/https://itdevents.com/tours/unitedkingdolls/. live.
  53. Web site: 2022-02-11 . Tayce Assassination Tour » Klub Kids . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20220211093605/https://klubkids.co.uk/tayce-assassination-tour/ . 11 Feb 2022 . 2022-02-11 . Klub Kids.
  54. Web site: Night of the Living Drag . 2023-10-11 . Voss Events . en.