DRAG QUEEN VIC When is La Voix’s EastEnders Pride episode on? How to watch BBC soap special
DRAG icon La Voix is sashaying into Walford for a mega Pride special that promises chaos, comedy, and plenty of Queen Vic drama.
Fans are buzzing to see the Strictly Come Dancing and RuPaul‘s Drag Race UK favourite bring her signature wit to E20
But with a summer of sport currently taking over our TV screens, soap fans have been left sweating over when they can catch the explosive episode.
When is La Voix’s Walford Pride episode on?
La Voix’s highly anticipated guest appearance will air in its usual 7pm slot on Thursday, July 2.
While other shows have been chopped, changed, or booted to BBC Two to accommodate the football and tennis, EastEnders bosses are keeping the schedule locked down on BBC One on this occasion.
The storyline sees Walford celebrating Pride in true, dramatic fashion.
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EastEnders celebrated its first Pride in 2019, with the Square hosting a parade.
In 2026’s episode, a battle kicks off between Zoe Slater at The Queen Vic, and Cindy Beale over at rival LGBTQ+ bar The Prince Albert.
La Voix is originally booked to perform at The Prince Albert. But in classic soap style, she’s poached by Zoe Slater and Big Mo, who trick her into thinking the venue has changed to The Vic.
She said: “I’m booked for Walford Pride… But as I get out of my car, I’m poached by The Queen Vic… uproar, drama, chaos!
Off-screen, the sensational diva is played by talented male performer Christopher Dennis.
Throughout its 20-year history, Strictly Come Dancing has welcomed several stars from BBC soap EastEnders. Here’s a look at how some of them did over the years.
- Christopher Parker (Series One): Christopher played Alfie Moon’s (Shane Richie) younger brother Spencer from 2002 to 2005. finished as runner-up in Strictly’s first series.
- Jill Halfpenny (Series Two): Jill starred as Kate Mitchell in EastEnders from 2002 to 2005. She triumphed over Denise Lewis and Julian Clary to win the second series of Strictly.
- Louisa Lytton (Series Four): Known for her role as EastEnders’ Ruby Allen, Louisa took part in Strictly’s fourth series. She finished in fourth place.
- Letitia Dean (Series Five): Letitia, who debuted as Sharon Watts in the show’s first episode, took to the Strictly dance floor in series five. She finished in fourth place.
- Matt Di Angelo (Series Five): Dean Wicks actor Matt also competed in series five of Strictly, finishing as runner-up behind Alesha Dixon.
- Gillian Taylforth (Series 6): Gillian, known for her long-running portrayal as Kathy Beale, took part in series 6. She ended up being the second person voted out.
- Jessie Wallace (Series 6): Kat Slater actress Jessie also competed in series 6, but was fourth voted out.
- Scott Maslen (Series 8): Scott, who plays Jack Branning, reached a respectable fourth place on Strictly.
- Kara Tointon (Series 8): Kara, who played Dawn Swann, won Strictly series 8 back in 2010.
- Sid Owen (Series 10): Sid, who played Ricky Butcher, was eliminated in the show’s fourth week.
- Jake Wood (Series 12): While his EastEnders character Max Branning was unlucky-in-love, actor Jake fared better with a fifth-place finish on Strictly.
- Kellie Bright (Series 13): Kellie – aka Queen Vic landlady Linda Carter – finished as the runner-up of series 13.
- Emma Barton (Series 17): Known for playing Honey Mitchell, Emma reached third place on Strictly in 2019.
- Maisie Smith (Series 18): Formerly playing Tiffany Butcher-Baker, actress Maisie was 2020’s second-place Strictly finalist.
- Rose-Ayling Ellis (Series 19): Rose won over viewers’ hearts when she soared to victory in 2021.
- Bobby Brazier (Series 21): Having joined the cast as ‘Freddie Slater’ in 2022, Bobby joined the 2023 Strictly line-up. He finished in third place.
- Jamie Borthwick (Series 22): Jamie, aka Jay Brown, won the 2023 Strictly Christmas Special – and has been signed up for the next full series.
While La Voix is a fierce, larger-than-life queen on stage, Christopher is the mastermind beneath the massive red wig and dazzling sequins, having become a firm BBC favourite since his star turn on Strictly.
Were La Voix’s scenes improvised?
Soap scripts are usually kept under strict lock and key to avoid leaks, but things went a little off-book for this special episode.
La Voix has revealed that filming the Pride special involved some “nerve-wracking” improvised moments.
Because of her background in live cabaret and stand-up comedy, producers gave her the freedom to ad-lib and react naturally to the Walford locals.
She said: “Improvisation gives you the freedom to really play in the moment and react naturally to what the other actors are doing.”
“Of course, it can be a little nerve-wracking because you don’t have a script to fall back on, some of my favourite moments came from those spontaneous exchanges that you simply couldn’t have planned!”
The mix of high-stakes soap drama and quick-witted drag comedy is set to make this one of the most unique episodes of the year.
La Voix said: “Walking around Albert Square for the first time was a real pinch-me moment! Filming such a special Pride episode made the experience even more meaningful.
“To celebrate love, community and being proud of who you are on a show that has always been at the heart of British culture is something I’ll never forget.
“Everyone was so welcoming, and I can’t wait for viewers to see what’s in store.”
How to watch the Walford Pride episode
As mentioned, the Walford Pride episode will air in EastEnders’ usual 7pm slot on Thursday, July 2.
But if you can’t make it to the sofa in time, you can easily catch up on all the drama on BBC iPlayer.
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To watch the episode, simply head to the app on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV, or visit the website on your computer.
Even better, EastEnders episodes drop early on iPlayer at 6am on the day of transmission, meaning early birds can get their fix before anyone else.