Pride season is in full swing, and Walford is joining the festivities in spectacular style. EastEnders has confirmed a very special guest for its upcoming Pride episode: the iconic drag queen La Voix. She will arrive on Albert Square amid the community's celebrations, bringing a tsunami of sequins and lashings of lashes.
A Return to Pride in Walford
The soap last celebrated Pride in 2019, with an episode widely praised for its portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community. That storyline also highlighted the dangers still faced by queer individuals, as Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) was violently attacked by homophobe Jonno Highway (Richard Graham) after kissing his son, Callum Highway (Tony Clay). Meanwhile, Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) fully embraced her sexuality by marching in the parade after months of self-acceptance.
La Voix's Connection to the Soap
La Voix has a pre-existing bond with the show, being a close real-life friend of Harriet Thorpe, who plays the glamorous and fearsome Elaine Peacock. The drag queen rose to fame as a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent, finished sixth on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, and later competed on Strictly Come Dancing. Although an injury forced her to withdraw from the dancing competition, her participation made her a household name and a national treasure.
In an emotional Instagram post at the time, La Voix wrote: 'I'm absolutely devastated to be withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing. This isn't the glittering exit I ever imagined, and it breaks my heart to feel like I'm letting people down. My spirit wanted to keep dancing but my foot has other ideas! Thank you for every cheer, every vote, and every sparkle of support – it's meant the world to me. This isn't the ending I imagined, but I'll cherish this forever.'
Expanding in the caption, she added: 'Darlings, it breaks my heart to say this, but after all week of hoping, healing, and doing everything I possibly could, my injury simply hasn't improved the way we prayed it would. With the guidance of the medical team and a heavy, heavy heart I have to officially withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing. This show has been one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. To step onto that iconic dancefloor, to be welcomed so warmly by the judges, the pros, the crew, Tess & Claudia and of course the fabulous audience — it has meant the world to me. My only sadness is that I won't be able to continue the journey the way I so wished I could. What upsets me most is feeling like I've let my wonderful partner, Aljaž Škorjanec, down. He has supported me, encouraged me, and believed in me from day one, and I so desperately wanted to keep dancing for him as much as for myself. I'm devastated not to be able to continue the adventure with him, but I'm endlessly grateful for everything he's given me throughout this experience. To my fellow contestants — keep sparkling. To everyone who has supported me, voted for me, and sent such kind messages: thank you. Your love has lifted me more than you know.'
Recent Appearances
More recently, La Voix announced the UK Jury scores for the 2026 Eurovision Grand Final. She said at the time: 'I'm absolutely over the moon to be announcing the UK Jury scores at Eurovision 2026. It's the one night where sequins are en masse, key changes are compulsory, and absolutely anything can happen – so naturally I feel right at home. I'll do my best to behave… but no promises!'
Fans are eagerly awaiting her arrival on Albert Square, which promises to be a memorable addition to the Pride celebrations.
