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Here’s Everything We Know About RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

Joanna Freedman

Published 
| Last updated 

Here’s Everything We Know About RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/ RuPaul's Drag Race UK

Ladies, start your engines, because RuPaul's Drag Race UK is officially coming to the UK and she's bringing plenty of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent along with her.

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If you didn't know about the programme's impending arrival by now, you clearly aren't a true Ru fan... but don't worry, there's still time to get hooked before the hit cast sissy that walk and arrive on British screens. Can we get an Amen up in here!?

Here is everything we know about RuPaul's Drag Race UK so far.

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Credit: BBC Three
Credit: BBC Three

When was RuPaul's Drag Race UK officially announced?

The series has allegedly been in the works since 2014, but it finally became official in December 2019.

"I am beyond excited to celebrate the massive charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of the Queen's queens," Ru said at the time.

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"And before anyone asks, yes, we would be thrilled to have Meghan Markle join us, as we are already preparing a 'Royal-Mother-To-Be' runway challenge."

Where will RuPaul's Drag Race UK air?

RuPaul's Drag Race has a huge fan base (Credit: VH1)
RuPaul's Drag Race has a huge fan base (Credit: VH1)

The show will air on BBC Three via BBC iPlayer, and will consist of eight weekly episodes.

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As the news was announced, a channel spokesperson said: "Needless to say, we're delighted that BBC Three will be the home of a new UK version of Drag Race.

"It is one of the biggest entertainment titles in the world and anticipation levels for a UK version have been at feverish levels. With heart, humour and the un-imitable RuPaul, Drag Race. is going to take BBC Three to a whole new level.

What is the RuPaul's Drag Race UK start date?

While the official start date is yet to be revealed, fans won't have to wait long, as the show is set to start in October. Eeek!

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What format will RuPaul's Drag Race UK take?

Expect all regular US features including the snatch game to return (Credit: VH1)
Expect all regular US features including the snatch game to return (Credit: VH1)

The UK show will follow the exact same format as the American version, except with some British twists, obvs.

This means we can expect the usual lip syncs, modelling, acting and comedy and dancing challenges (for which Love Island's Curtis Pritchard and his Strictly star brother AJ have been roped in to help, like Todrick Hall does in the US).

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Plus, there will naturally be a snatch game - which is where the queens hilariously impersonate iconic stars. In the US, iconic snatch game performances have varied from Beyoncé to Cher, but who will the UK queens choose? (We're praying it's Dot Cotton, tbh).

Who will be judging RuPaul's Drag Race UK?


As expected, Mama Ru will be heading up the judging panel on the UK series - because, who else?

Joining her will be her BFF and sidekick, Michelle Visage, who is currently in the UK anyway for Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals.

Plus, iconic chat show hosts Graham Norton and Alan Carr will be rotating as going resident judges on the show, up until the final episode, where they will both appear.


Alan Carr is also appearing (Credit: PA)
Alan Carr is also appearing (Credit: PA)

This isn't Graham's first taste of Drag Race, seeing as he appeared on the American show for season two, meanwhile Alan has met Ru before on his Chatty Man sofa.

The comedian joked: "I was both shocked and delighted when Graham and Alan told me they'd be wearing tucking panties when sitting at the judges' table.

"I told them it was not necessary, but they insisted. Now that's what I call dedication!"

Will celebrities be guest starring on RuPaul's Drag Race UK?


As with the US series, RuPaul's Drag Race UK will feature a different celebrity every week to help out on the judging panel.

There's been a string of stars confirmed by the BBC so far, from Game of Thrones royalty to 90s pop-stars.


Here's the full list so far:

Spider-Man star - Andrew Garfield

Chewing Gum creator - Michaela Coel

Game of Thrones actor - Maisie Williams

Little Mix singer - Jade Thirlwall

Spice Girls singer - Geri Horner

Popstar - Cheryl

Model - Twiggy


Plus, BBC documentarian Stacey Dooley and daytime TV host Lorraine Kelly will be appearing as guests during the snatch game.

Who are the RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestants?

Credit: BBC
Credit: BBC

There will be 10 UK queens appearing on the show, and they've JUST been announced.

Find the full list, including Cheryl Hole, Gothy Kendoll and Scaredy Cat here.

Is there a first look at RuPaul's Drag Race UK set?

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The RuPaul's Drag Race UK set has finally been revealed, and it looks *sickening*.

In a clip released by BBC Three, the bright pink workroom is shown for the first time, equipped with a Union Jack on the doors.

Ahhhh. One thing is for sure, it doesn't look like Ru is gonna f*ck this up!

Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film, RuPaul's Drag Race

Joanna Freedman
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