That’s a Drag! How Strictly Star La Voix Accidentally HELPED Robbers Behind the £40m Gem Heist That Was the Biggest in British History

The Unexpected Role of La Voix in the £40 Million Graff Diamonds Heist

In the dazzling world of Strictly Come Dancing, La Voix shines brightly with her captivating performances and striking presence. However, beyond the glittering stage lights lies a remarkable and little-known story involving the flamboyant star, whose real name is Chris Dennis. Long before captivating audiences on television, Dennis found himself unwittingly entangled in one of the most audacious crimes in British history—the £40 million Graff Diamonds heist.

This heist, which took place in August 2009, remains the largest jewellery robbery ever recorded in the UK. The story is as dramatic as any Hollywood thriller, with Dennis playing a crucial yet innocent role. At the time, he was a theatrical make-up artist working in London’s Covent Garden, specializing in transforming clients with intricate prosthetics and makeup.

The Art of Disguise: How a Make-up Artist Became Part of a High-Stakes Crime

Chris Dennis was approached by two men who claimed they needed to be disguised for a music video. Over the course of four hours, Dennis applied liquid latex masks, wigs, and altered their skin tone, creating convincing disguises that would allow the men to avoid recognition. Little did he know, these men were Aman Kassaye and Craig Calderwood, criminals planning a meticulously orchestrated robbery.

Shortly after leaving Dennis’s studio, the disguised duo entered the Graff Diamonds store on New Bond Street. Armed and determined, they forced staff to hand over an estimated £40 million worth of precious gems. The heist was executed with such precision and flair that it drew comparisons to the slick capers depicted in films like Ocean’s Eleven.

Dennis’s involvement was purely professional and unknowing, but it placed him at the heart of a crime that shocked the nation. For his safety, he was kept under police protection after revealing his fears of retaliation from the criminals.

From Theatrical Make-up to Television Stardom: La Voix’s Journey

Years after the heist, Chris Dennis transformed his life, adopting the stage persona La Voix and rising to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and Strictly Come Dancing. His story of accidental involvement in the Graff Diamonds heist resurfaced during a 2021 interview on the Little Did You Know podcast, where he candidly shared the extraordinary experience.

Dennis’s tale highlights the unexpected intersections between art and crime and how an artist’s skill in disguise inadvertently facilitated one of the most significant robberies in British history. Despite the dark chapter, La Voix’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and reinvention.

Conclusion

The story of La Voix and the £40 million Graff Diamonds heist is a fascinating reminder of how truth can sometimes be stranger than fiction. From a theatrical make-up artist unknowingly aiding robbers to becoming a celebrated star on Strictly, Chris Dennis’s life is a testament to unexpected twists and turns. If you enjoyed this incredible story, be sure to follow La Voix’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing and stay tuned for more captivating tales from the world of entertainment and beyond!