21 questions with ‘Drag Race UK’s The Vivienne
"Read Ru? Do you think I was born yesterday?!"
By Will Stroude
This article first appeared in Attitude issue 315, November 2019
Having been crowned RuPaul’s first British drag ambassador, The Vivienne is now looking to snatch the main prize on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK – but the Liverpool queen better watch out for Baga Chipz and her battered sausage…
What were your rejected drag names?
I was nearly Vivienne Westwing. I lived on the west wing of my student accommodation.
What’s the worst thing someone could say to you in bed?
“Wake up.”
How would (or does) your Grindr profile read?
I’m engaged, ya dirty cow! I don’t have such apps. Only Deliveroo for me.
What is your biggest turn-on?
My fiancé David, the most stunning guy on the planet.
And turn-off?
Smelly people. Water’s free and you can buy deodorant for less than a pound.
What is your safe word?
If I wanted somebody to stop something, I wouldn’t be whispering safe words, I’d be kicking right off!
What makes you smile?
David and our son Panda – he’s a pitbull.
What’s your spirit animal?
Kim Woodburn.
If you could be any inanimate object in the world, what would you be?
Cher’s toilet seat. Imagine her sitting on your face every day.
If you were prime minister for the day, what would you do?
Put a toner on Boris Johnson’s hair.
What would your own fragrance be called?
Burrrrrrnin (you’ve got to say it in a Scouse accent). It smells like its name: “I can smell burrrrrrnin’!”
What’s your biggest vice?
Food. I’m a fat cow and love it!
What’s your life motto?
Have a bloody ball. You’re only here once. As long as you’re not hurting anybody, do whatever you want.
Your house is on fire: what one thing would you save?
My Yankee candle. You can get to fuck if you think I’m paying £25 for a candle and not being able to enjoy it.
Let’s play Cluedo. You’ve been murdered: who did it, where and with what?
Baga Chipz. In the bog. With a battered sausage.
You’re dead (sorry). What would the epitaph on your headstone say?
‘Do you mind? You’re standing on me head’.
What does heaven look like?
Cher’s show at the Mirage in the 1980s. Camp as tits.
And hell?
Watching Love Island with Madonna. Oh God, no.
Complete the sentence: British politics is…
…not a bit well.
What is your biggest fear?
Being interviewed. My nerves are shattered here.
The library is open, give us a read of Ru.
Read Ru?! Do you think I was born yesterday? I’ve got rent to pay!
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK continues tonight (14 November) at 8pm on BBC Three.