Wales legend’s son transforms into drag queen Heidi Heights

Thursday, 21 August 2025 at 19:45

byRugby Rucker

In Wales, the Quinnell name is rugby royalty. From Derek’s battles in the 1970s, through Scott and Craig’s heroics in the red jersey, to younger brother Gavin, the family has long been a pillar of Welsh rugby history.

But Scott’s son Steele Quinnell is carving a very different path – as drag performer Heidi Heights.

The 26-year-old personal trainer, sports masseur and psychology graduate has swapped rugby fields for sequins, quickly becoming one of the rising names on the Welsh drag scene. This Friday, Steele will take centre stage at Ffos Las Racecourse Ladies Day, a sign of just how fast Heidi Heights has grown.

"It's going to be really good fun," Steele told Wales Online. "I'm doing a half cabaret at the start – songs that everyone will know, songs you can really enjoy singing along to. And I'll be making jokes along the way because at the end of the day, I'm dressed up. If you take that too seriously, you probably shouldn't be there!"

His journey began by accident. A former rower who loved school productions, Steele once toured alongside his father in The Lion Speaks Tonight. But it was an audition for Kinky Boots that changed everything.

"They said, 'You've got a fantastic voice, but we've already got someone in mind for Charlie. Have you ever thought of playing Lola?'… I gave it a go, sang 'Suddenly Seymour,' and they just turned around and said, 'That's it. You're our Lola.'"

From pantomime to residencies, Steele’s bookings have skyrocketed.
"I bought a nice wig, started making my own costumes, and really put some effort into it. Since then, I've got three residencies in bars, and I'm booked every Saturday for the rest of the year."

Beyond the stage, Steele remains busy as a fitness coach, qualified sports massage therapist, and psychology graduate – proving that the Quinnell name still stands for hard work and courage, just on a very different stage.