DRAG Race UK star Ellie Diamond has announced she is hanging up her wig and putting her glam act on ice due to the cost of living crisis.
The performer, 24, rose to fame after competing on the telly talent show in 2021, when she finished fourth.
But Dundee-born Elliot Glen — who created the extravagantly dressed character when just 16 — has now told fans he is taking a career break from stage appearances after taking on another job to help pay the bills.
In a statement published on Ellie’s Twitter page, he said: “Hey everyone I thought I’d just update and let you know what’s going on with me at the moment. I’m currently in a new house after leaving my flat due to cost of living and rent being so expensive for where I was. So a lot of my things are back in storage, including all my drag outfits.
“This decision has been very easy to make as what I need currently is stability with a job and routine that drag life doesn’t give me currently.
“I’m not quitting drag by any means but I’m definitely putting Ellie aside for the moment.”
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Ellie was one of 12 contestants on the second series of Drag Race UK — hosted by flamboyant US star RuPaul, 62.
Last year she took part in an official Drag Race tour.
But Elliot revealed he has struggled recently and was relieved to be taking a step back from his alter ego.
He said: “It’s really easy to lose track of your goals and, with mental health, trying to align with your work becomes a struggle when there’s imbalance and instability.
“Once I had decided this a weight of some sort was lifted — to exceed expectations for fans, to always be online and social media.
“Well, I’m glad to say I’m really happy at the moment, more than I’ve been for the past year and a half. I’ve got a part-time job I’m really excited about and looking forward to a better me.
“And once that time comes then Ellie will come back.”
Elliot added: “I’ll still be doing any shows that have been advertised but she is not my main focus at the moment — I am.”
Elliot is now based in Manchester. The RuPaul Drag Race UK series Ellie competed in was won by Lawrence Chaney, 26, of Glasgow.
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