In a moment that electrified the Glastonbury crowd, actor Ncuti Gatwa made a surprise appearance on Saturday to introduce pop star Jade Thirlwall—now performing solo under the name JADE.
But his introduction was more than just showbiz sparkle—it was a bold, unapologetic tribute to the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans fans.
A Loud, Proud Entrance on the Woodsies Stage
Striding onto the Woodsies stage with confidence and charisma, the former Doctor Who star kicked off Jade’s debut solo set with a cheeky, crowd-hyping speech.
“Are you feeling hot? Sweaty?” he asked the crowd, grinning.
“About to get hotter and sweatier because pop’s new crown princess is in the building!” Gatwa didn’t shy away from strong language, playfully shouting:
“I hope you b****es are f*****g ready!”—then turning serious as he added, “Ladies and gentlemen, theys and thems, all our beautiful trans brothers and sisters. The performance is about to begin.”
The crowd went wild. And just like that, the show was on.
Jade Makes a Bold Solo Debut
Moments later, JADE burst onto the stage, turning heads in a striking all-white crop top emblazoned with “Glasto.”
She paired it with oversized khaki cargo pants featuring a tartan waistband and sparkly embellishments, topped with a dramatic faux-fur hat and a khaki parka casually thrown over her shoulders.
The former Little Mix star delivered a high-energy set that included tracks from her upcoming solo album, That’s Showbiz Baby!, and fan-favorite Little Mix hits like Shout Out to My Ex, Touch, and Woman Like Me.
A Show of Support Amid Rising Tensions
JADE’s performance wasn’t just about music—it was a loud, proud statement of solidarity.
Known for her outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, the singer used this Glastonbury moment to highlight her unwavering support for the trans community.
And she’s no stranger to making headlines for speaking her mind.
Earlier this month, during her set at Mighty Hoopla in London, JADE led the crowd in an anti-JK Rowling chant while performing her fiery track FUFN (F** You For Now).
The audience roared back when she called out “Transphobes” and then “JK Rowling,” both met with loud chants of “F** you!”
Gatwa’s Doctor Who Departure and the “Woke” Backlash
As JADE steps into her solo spotlight, Gatwa is stepping out of one.
His time as the Doctor Who lead has come to an end, with Billie Piper taking over the iconic role.
While the official line cites creative shifts, speculation has swirled around the show’s recent dip in ratings and criticism over so-called “woke” storylines.
The actor hinted that the pressure of the role took a toll on him physically and mentally, though he hasn’t directly addressed the rumors of being pushed out.
JADE Isn’t Backing Down—Even If There’s a Price
JADE’s activism isn’t performative—it’s personal.
She and her partner, Jordan Stephens of Rizzle Kicks, first appeared publicly together at the 2020 Black Trans Lives Matter march.
Since then, they’ve continued to use their platforms to speak up for causes close to their hearts.
From proudly wearing the trans pride flag colors at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, to signing open letters in support of the trans community alongside artists like Charli XCX, Florence Welch, and Dua Lipa—JADE has made it clear she won’t stay silent.
She Knows Speaking Out Has Risks
In a recent interview with Stylist, JADE admitted she’s been warned that her outspoken views could hurt her career.
Whether it’s standing with Palestine or defending trans rights, she says she’s ready to face the fallout if it means doing what’s right.
“We’re seeing an attack on the trans community,” she said.
“And I have a very big LGBTQ+ fanbase. I can’t sit back and not be vocal about defending that community.
I’m happy to pay the consequences if it means doing the right thing.”