Brokeback star does drag

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

Jake Gyllenhall has showcased his versatility as a performer by donning a floor-length gown and singing a camp classic on American TV.

The 26-year-old, who impressed movie fans with his sensitive portrayal of gay love in 1960s cowboy country in Brokeback Mountain, was a guest host on Saturday Night Live at the weekend.

The show, an American comedy institution, has been the launchpad for comedy careers for decades, from Jon Belushi, Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd in the 1970s to Mike Myers, Will Ferrell

The actor chose to drag up and sing You’re Gonna Love Me, a track from the muscial Dreamgirls.

Gyllenhall’s performance was a tribute to the huge gay following he has built up since his starring role in Brokeback Mountain.

He won a Bafta for his portrayal of Jack Twist, who meets and falls in love with fellow rancher Ennis del Mar, played by Heath Ledger.

Gyllenhall follows a long line of Hollywood talent to guest host, and showed off his comic talents in a string of sketches, playing a German house DJ, a mountain bike guide writer and evil genius Dr Scientist.