In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Ella Vaday, the multi-talented drag queen and performer who went from West End shows to making it all the way to the final of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 3.

Ella, also known as Nick Collier, shares stories from a complicated childhood in rural Suffolk, a life shaped by performance and pressure, and the moment drag became an unexpected lifeline during lockdown. From surviving isolation on Drag Race to reclaiming confidence in her thirties, Ella talks candidly about coming out later in life, learning to stop hiding, and why you should never feel rushed to figure it all out.

They also dive into the highs and lows of fame, the backstage reality of reality TV, and the joy of finding your place, whether that’s in a glittery gown or a sweaty gym. Plus, Ella opens up about navigating queer identity in a social media age, why she still doesn’t feel like she fits in, and the advice she’d give to young queer people feeling lost or unseen.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s still figuring it out, still finding their voice, or still waiting for their spotlight.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ella and Queer Panic

04:24 Childhood Memories and Celebrity Crushes

07:34 Fashion and Drag Race Highlights

10:16 Influential Queer Media and Icons

13:20 Navigating Queerness and Family Dynamics

16:17 Advice for Young Queer Individuals

19:30 Social Media and Its Impact on Queerness

26:03 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Acceptance

28:35 Navigating the Performing Arts Journey

33:11 The Evolution of a Drag Queen

37:45 The Rollercoaster of Drag Race Experience

42:17 Adjusting to Fame and Public Scrutiny

47:53 Lessons Learned and Advice for the Future

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