RUPAUL’S Drag Race UK has finally been given a release date – and you’ll be happy to hear it’s coming sooner than you think.
But before you catch up on all the Drag Race lingo, here are all the contestants who will be taking part. Meet the Queens…
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When does RuPaul’s Drag Race start on BBC Three?
The series will commence on October 3, it has been confirmed.
We also know that the glamorous show will hit BBC Three as an eight-parter.
The Sun’s Bizarre column exclusively revealed the news and shared that a TV source spilled all the tea.
The source said: “This is a massive coup for the Beeb as lots of other UK channels wanted this show.
“It will follow the exact same format as the American version with British twists and some famous guests.
“It will be filmed in London and casting directors will be searching for the best drag artists Britain has to offer – there’ll be a huge budget for costumes and production and bosses are hoping that a star is born.
“It’s really exciting for everyone involved and is expected to draw a lot of new fans to the franchise. RuPaul has a cult following so it’s massive news.”
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Who are the contestants for RuPaul UK?
RuPaul himself chose the contestants and definitely backs his selection, saying: ““Each of the UK queens is so unique, so courageous and so specia
“I can’t wait for the UK – and the world – to fall in love with them the same way I did.”
Let’s meet them…
Baga Chips
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She has a great name and a feisty attitude to boost.
The 29-year-old from Walthamstow describes herself as a: “pub queen, a tart with a heart, not one of those gorgeous beautiful Kate Moss lookalike drag queens.”
And she certainly backs her personality, claiming it’s her biggest strength:
“I might not have the best outfits or makeup, but put me on a stage and I will entertain the absolute s**** out of the room.”
Blu Hydrangea
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The 23-year-old from Belfast is a make-up artist by day and Blu Hydrangea by night.
She describes her bold look as “like a GCSE art project, high fashion from outer space, a cartoon character – with muppet realness.”
Blu wants to use the visibility that comes with the show to tackle LGBTQ issues in her homeland of Northern Ireland, she said:
“My partner and I have been together for four and half years. I would love to marry him but it’s not even legal.
“So hopefully, I’ll inspire people and hopefully, one day we’ll be able to get married in our own country.”
Divina de Campo
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She hails from West Yorkshire which might not be first place you think of when imagining “old school glamour” as she describes her style.
But that hasn’t stopped Divina from crafting her image inspired by “Christina Aguilera from the Moulin Rouge video.”
Divina reckons that she could let her competitive side get the better of her, admitting: “I know how intense this whole experience is going to be!
“I don’t know whether I’m good competitive or come across as a horrible person. I’m very competitive with myself – I always want to be better.”
Crystal
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Crystal is a 34-year-old who hails from Canada but has been residing in the UK for the past decade.
She considers herself “gender bending, ‘mess with your brain’ kinda drag queen” who “stands for tearing down gender constructs using creativity, looks and fashion and crazy performances.”
And she has a few freaky tricks up her sleeve including ” aerial circus” and putting “cigarettes out on my tongue,” which she declares makes for quite the “freak show.”
Sum Ting Wong
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Brummie Sum Ting Wong has been doing drag for five years now.
And says that her unique name came about to show off her “cheeky” side but also reflect her “British Vietnamese heritage.”
Explaining the reason behind her drag name she said: “It was a meme about a missing Asian plane and all the names of the missing crew were plays on Chinese name, such as Sum Ting Wong an Wi Tu Lo […] It was wrong in so many ways, and that was why I chose my name, as an act of reclamation!”
Cheryl Hole
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Dancer Cheryl Hole chose to pay tribute to popstar Cheryl Cole as part of her Girls Aloud tribute act – Gals Aloud.
And she reckons her dance training will help edge out stiff competition as “There are several challenges that are thrown at you where you have to use your body.”
Plus Cheryl backs her lip syncing abilities as well as her “death drop and dancing skills so girl you better watch out as I’m gonna bring the exclamation mark of the dance moves to the dance floor!”
Gothy Kendoll
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Gothy Kendoll is from Leicester and is 21-years-old.
She has described her image as “dark, contemporary, striking and unique.”
And hails “Grace Jones, Annie Lennox, people in the 80s who were redefining what gender is and what gender can be” as her inspiration.
Vinegar Strokes
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Vinegar Strokes is a 35-year-old Londoner who classifies herself as a “straight up comedy queen.”
On her bold look she says that she is “Tina Turner meets Lizzo meets Kat Slater.”
And this isn’t her first taste of the limelight nor her first brush with the RuPaul fam – the talented starlet has already performed in the West End in Musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie alongside judge Michelle Visage and previous winner Bianca Del Rio.
Speaking of her experience, she said: “I did dance with Michelle Visage every single night, but I’ve already been clearly told there’s going to be no favouritism and this will be a level playing field. She won’t be allowing me any airs or graces when it comes to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK – I better come correct!”
Scaredy Kat
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Scaredy Kat is a mere 20-years-old, making her the youngest kween to star on Drag Race.
She admitted: “I really haven’t done it that long.
“It was probably about a year ago. I was with my girlfriend trying to have a laugh. It was a quite embarrassing but it went quite well for a first try.”
Perhaps sticking true to her moniker, she revealed that she mostly performs at home but wants to change that to a wider audience, saying:
“I need to be on a stage in front of millions of people because the attention just has to be on me right now.”
The Vivienne
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Liverpudlian Vivienne, 27, has had the honour of meeting the ultimate Queen RuPaul when she was crowned UK ambassador for Drag Race.
She’s hoping she woos him as much this time round and reckons it will be her sense of humour that marks her out.
She said: “Comedy is definitely my trump card.
“My favourite trick in drag is my vocal impersonations so I do everyone from Kim Woodburn and Cilla Black to Donald Trump.”
Will RuPaul ‘The Queen’ be on the panel?
The Queen herself, the iconic RuPaul, is expected to be fronting the programme as always.
He said: “I am beyond excited to celebrate the massive charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent of the Queen’s queens.
“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.”
We’re not sure if the Duchess of Sussex will be allowed on the show considering royal protocols, but nevertheless, the challenge is sure to be jaw-dropping.
Who are the official judges?
On February 14, 2019 it was confirmed that Graham Norton and Alan Carr will appear as rotating judges each week.
They will appear alongside Mama Ru, Michele Visage, and a celebrity guest judge.
For the grand finale, Norton and Carr will appear on the judging panel.
Norton previously appeared on series two of the hit show in the US in 2016 and says he has been a fan of the show forever.
Carr met RuPaul when he appeared on his chat show Alan Carr’s Chatty Man, but has also been a longtime fan.
RuPaul said he was happy with his UK judges.
He said: “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!”
Who has been confirmed to guest judge on Drag Race UK?
The list concerning the celebs that will act as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK has continued to expand, Digital Spy has revealed.
Given that the US edition has had some pretty big names take part in a one-off episode, it looks as if show bosses are hoping to do the same across the pond.
Most recently, former X Factor judge Cheryl was confirmed to appear in an upcoming episode, as revealed on the show’s official Twitter account.
Following the announcement, Cheryl took to social media revealing how excited she was to be working alongside RuPaul on his fabulous TV programme, which the pop star said has been one of her favourite shows to watch over the years.
“I am SO excited to tell you that I will be a guest judge on the first-ever series of @dragraceukbbc !!” the Parachute singer gushed on Twitter.
“I am such a huge fan of the show and can not wait to watch our UK queens make their mark! Coming soon to @bbcthree Gentlemen Start your engines and may the best woman win!”
Supermodel Twiggy has also been confirmed to take part in the first and forthcoming series as a guest judge, along with Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall, Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield and Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams.
Before the show premieres this autumn, fans will have heard a rising number of names that will join the current line-up of guest judges but given with what we have so far, the UK edition is certainly not to be missed.
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Who else could guest star on Drag Race UK?
It’s hard to believe that Drag Race has already been on TV in the US for a whopping 10 years.
The American version has seen countless mega-stars and talented names appear as guests.
From Lady Gaga, Pamela Anderson and Ariana Grande to Demi Lovato, Adam Lambert, and Christina Aguilera, the series has welcomed them all.
RuPaul has also hosted some British celebs including Sharon Osbourne, and Olivia Newton-John.
Perhaps, some of these faces will also make an appearance in the British version.
The American version of the show has also hosted Graham Norton.
If not those, we can be sure that some other famous British stars will join the honourable judges of the show.
Jessie J, Rita Ora or Cheryl, perhaps, who are known for their glam and fashion choices.
But, considering that Drag Race is all about empowering drag queens, the show might invite some alumni.
We can’t help but think of Fame Charlie Hides who was the first British queen on the show in 2017.
Or, how about some famous British queens? Jodie Harsh, who has 56k followers on Instagram, recently posted a photo of RuPaul with the caption: “She is coming: Start your engines! RuPaul’s Drag Race UK #2019”.
Other names that spring into mind are Danny Beard and Cheddar Gorgeous.
