‘Strictly Come Dancing’ is set to get its first ever cross-dressing contestant.
Grayson Perry – who has been dressing up as his alter-ego Claire since childhood – has reportedly been approached by bosses of the ballroom and latin show about joining the forthcoming series later this year and, although he has admitted he’d love to take part, the 57-year-old star would only do it if he could be a man on the show.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, Grayson said: "She [the BBC executive who approached him] said ‘we’d love you on’ and I said ‘would I be in a dress or would I be in suit?’ Because in a way I would want to be a man because as a dancer, when I like dancing, I feel quite male. I don’t want to dance backwards in heels. I’m coming to terms with the fact that my body isn’t quite so brilliant as it used to be so I’d be quite happy to be one of the people who was cannon fodder now.
"I think the problem for them would be ‘how would I fit in a dress?’ "
The artist – who is known mainly for his ceramic vases – never fails to turn heads when he dons his dresses and has admitted he takes inspiration from the queen.
He said: "I do love a crisp suit and big hair."
Meanwhile, as well as toying with the idea of taking part in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, Grayson will next be seen in a Channel 4 project called ‘Grayson Perry: Divided Britain’ where the Essex-born artist will be tackling the Brexit debate.
He will be inviting members of the public to contribute on Twitter and Facebook where the potter will create two artistic pots representing both sides of the debate.
The programme will be aired on Channel 4 at 9pm on Tuesday (30.05.17).
Strictly Come Dancing to get first cross-dressing contestant?
