RuPaul’s Drag Race star Courtney Act stormed to victory on Celebrity Big Brother last Friday.
The gender fluid drag artist became a fan fave in the house for explaining the reality of being LGBT to a wide range of housemates.
Courtney, real name Shane Jenek, looked glam as she walked from the house victorious.
But it was a different situation when she headed into the Elstree compound – famously losing her entire dress in front of millions (scroll down for video).
(Instagram/courtneyact)
When the footage was shown to housemates some were cynical as to whether it had been genuine.
Housemate Amanda Barrie didn’t believe it had been real – telling Wayne Sleep that she didn’t “trust” Courtney.
“I’ve worked with so many drag queens in my time and they are perfectionists,” the former Coronation Street actress said.
“I have never seen one drop his props on the way in.”
(Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
Wayne agreed, saying: “How could you possibly drop a whole f**king frock?”
Quizzed about the infamous incident on her exit from the CBB house, Courtney finally put the question to rest.
“Of course it wasn’t planned!” Act revealed during her winner’s interview.
“I’m not going to flash my gash to the whole nation.”
The ultimate wardrobe malfunction @CourtneyAct! 🙈 #CBB #CBBShaneJ pic.twitter.com/Dd6KoK2kHv
— Big Brother UK (@bbuk) January 5, 2018
Whatever the truth, Big Brother fans were delighted by the victory over anti-LGBT politician Ann Widdecombe.
Speaking shortly after her victory, Courtney said that she was amazed by the public support and validation of her beliefs.
She said: “It’s amazing to think that the public have chosen me, I guess it’s validation of the things I came here believing in.”
(Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
She continued: “My inspiration for coming into the house was a teenage boy who didn’t quite know where he belonged or how he fit in, and not knowing what that meant.
“I learned that it’s okay to be different.”
This year’s series of Celebrity Big Brother was called ‘the Year of the Woman’ due to its heavy focus on gender to mark the 100th anniversary of women’s partial suffrage.
(Photo: Channel 5)
Courtney had previously said that she would have preferred a woman to win the ‘Year of the Woman’ series, and called her victory “slightly ironic.”
Host Emma Willis then asked Courtney about her role in educating both fellow housemates and viewers about gender and sexuality.
The topic of gender and sexuality came up frequently during the show, often in clashes with runner-up Ann Widdecombe.
“I was just having conversations with people about things that I’m passionate about,” Courtney said.
