Blue star Duncan James proudly shows off rarely-seen grown-up daughter Tianie as she celebrates huge career achievement
BLUE’s Duncan James is proud as punch after his daughter Tianie landed a role in the Royal Opera House’s production of The Nutcracker.
Tianie, 17, has been dancing since she was a little girl and successfully auditioned for a part in the renowned Christmas ballet production.
Duncan has now shared a photograph of his daughter in her costume and stage make-up, sharing her exciting achievement with his fans.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Toi Toi Toi to my beautiful Angel @tianieballerina on her performance at the @royalopera house.
“It is also being screened live in 19 countries across the world. Proud dad #nutcracker #royaloperahouse #daddydaughterlove.”
Duncan’s army of followers are seriously impressed by Tianie’s success, including his famous friends.
Best pal Denise Van Outen commented with a red heart emoji and said: “Incredible.”
Former EastEnders star Rita Simmons added: “Look at her! So grown up, she looks like you Moomin.”
Actress and singer Sheridan Smith simply wrote: “Wow!”
He was also told by a fan: “She’s very talented and I see where that gene’s from. Wishing ur beautiful daughter the best as always.”
Another penned: “She looks fabulous, can’t imagine how proud you must be of her.”
Duncan and his ex partner Claire Grainger welcomed Tianie into the world in 2005.
The singer had already come out as gay to his mum Fiona before Claire fell pregnant.
He later recalled his mum’s reaction: “Two months later (after coming out) I told her, ‘Mum, I’ve got something to tell you, I got a girl pregnant’, and she was like, ‘What? I thought you were gay!’ ”
Duncan then publicly came out as bisexual 13 years ago before confirming he is gay in 2017.
Although his relationship with Claire did not last, they have remained close friends and co-parent Tianie.
Their daughter began following in her father’s showbiz footsteps from a young age and had landed a place at the Royal Ballet School by 11 years old.
At the time, Duncan told OK! magazine: “I couldn’t be more proud. Over 2,000 girls auditioned and there were only 12 places and she got one.”
Last year, the star sadly revealed that Tianie had been bullied about his sexuality online.
Duncan told The Sun’s Fabulous magazine: “She is at an age where she is very much into her phone, and her friends are all on social media platforms like TikTok — it’s very much her life.
“But she’s also aware that people could be horrible. People can be quite nasty about me being gay and say quite horrible things about the fact that I’m a gay dad.
“People have written to her, saying, ‘Isn’t it disgusting your dad’s gay? How do you feel?
“‘You must be ashamed of him’, and stuff like that, and you’re just like, ‘Why are you writing to a kid saying stuff like that? Are you really crazy?’ People are just awful.”
