The glittering world of sequins and dance hides a surprising past for drag star La Voix. Before captivating audiences onStrictly Come Dancing, she found herself unwittingly connected to Britain’s largest ever gem heist.
In 2009, La Voix worked as a sought-after theatrical makeup artist in London’s Covent Garden. A peculiar booking arrived: two men requesting extensive aging makeup, claiming it was for a music video. The request seemed unusual, but a professional doesn’t ask questions.
She spent four hours meticulously transforming the pair using latex, specialized techniques, and wigs. They were quiet, “a little bit standoffish,” but paid her £450 without issue and departed into the London afternoon.
The next day’s headlines shattered the illusion of a routine job. A daring £40 million robbery had occurred at Graff Diamonds on New Bond Street. Shockingly, CCTV images of the robbers bore an uncanny resemblance to the men she’d disguised.
La Voix instantly recognized them. A chilling realization washed over her – she had unknowingly aided criminals in obscuring their identities for a brazen daylight heist. The robbers hadn’t even bothered to conceal themselves from cameras, confident in their altered appearances.
Scotland Yard detectives descended, turning La Voix’s studio into a forensic scene. Makeup brushes, gowns, latex masks, even banknotes were seized for DNA analysis. She was interviewed extensively, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.
The heist unfolded as a meticulously planned operation. Armed with handguns, the robbers forced staff to empty the store’s display cases of priceless jewels – bracelets, necklaces, and watches vanished in a matter of minutes.
A crucial break in the case came with the discovery of a mobile phone wedged in an abandoned getaway car. This led to the eventual apprehension of Aman Kassaye and Craig Calderwood, along with three accomplices.
La Voix was then called upon to testify in court, an experience she described as “very frightening.” The spotlight shifted from artistry to a criminal investigation, a stark contrast to her usual world.
Ultimately, all five individuals involved were convicted and imprisoned for their roles in the audacious robbery. La Voix, though shaken, was cleared of any wrongdoing, a witness caught in the crosshairs of a criminal act.
Now, as a contestant onStrictly Come Dancing, La Voix brings her vibrant energy and undeniable talent to the ballroom. While her scores may fluctuate, her story – a hidden chapter of unexpected involvement in a high-stakes crime – continues to fascinate.
