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Tag: Drag Race UK

All the latest breaking news on Drag Race UK. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Drag Race UK.

  • Drag Race UK fans have noticed this one HUGE difference between the US and the UK version

    Drag Race UK fans have noticed this one HUGE difference between the US and the UK version

    (C) BBC – Photographer: Leigh Keily

    Eagle-eyed fans spotted a huge difference between the UK and the US version and here’s why that is.

    Fans of the US version of RuPaul’s Drag Race are used to hearing the names of various sponsors during the show. However, the UK version was devoid of any sponsor names.

    When a contestant wins a challenge or the runway, a sponsor usually backs a gift or a cash prize, however, last night’s show was devoid of a sponsored-back prize.

    In fact, the main prize for the eventual winner of Drag Race UK isn’t even a cash-prize unlike the US version.

    (C) BBC/World of Wonder – Photographer: Guy Levy

    In the US, winners can look forward to a $100,000 payday, however, the winner of the UK version will star in their own “digital tv series” according to Ru, which will be filmed in Hollywood.

    One of the reasons why there are no sponsors mentioned on the show is because the broadcaster of this year’s series is BBC Three and as the BBC aren’t allowed to have sponsors or advertisers attached to their programming.

    Even the small prizes aren’t backed by a company – this week’s catwalk winner won a “RuPeter Badge” rather than a luxury or cash prize.

  • Here’s when you’ll be able to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in the US

    Here’s when you’ll be able to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in the US

    Yes hunties, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will be available to watch in the US.

    Set your alarms for the 3rd October 2019 because the US is about to get a British invasion of the drag kind.

    According to Entertainment Weekly, Drag Race UK is going to be available to stream in the US as well as in the UK, so American fans of the show will be able to get their fill of British drag talent.

    The show, which was made using British drag queens but uses the same format as the US, will be streamed at the same time both in the UK and US.

    The show will premier on the WOW Presents Plus streaming platform, at 3 PM on the 3rd of October.

    The UK version will be shown on the BBC iPlayer only, which means you will have to have a British TV license in order to watch the series unless of course, you go to a viewing party!

    It’s not know if RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will be available to stream on the Netflix service in the future, like its American counterpart.

    The first episode stars the guest judges, Graham Norton and Alan Carr, alongside RuPaul and Michelle Visage.

    Other judges confirmed for the season include Ginger Spice – Geri, Twiggy, Cheryl, Andrew Garfield and Maisie Williams.

  • Drag Race UK contestant, Baga Chipz forced to defend political stance

    Drag Race UK contestant, Baga Chipz forced to defend political stance

    One of Drag Race UK‘s queens has been forced to defend her political stance.

    Baga Chipz, who is one of the contestants for very first RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, has been forced to defend a pro-Conservative op-ed she wrote for a magazine back in 2017, during the General Election.

    In the piece, she wrote, that former Prime Minister Theresa May had “proved to be a capable politician, always on the ball and never at risk of having a ‘Diane Abbott’ moment”.

    The piece was unearthed by fans of the show, some of whom were quick to condemn Chipz as a “Tory Queen”.

    However, Baga Chipz was quick to confirm that she was actually a “life-long labour supporter” but wrote the piece because she wasn’t a fan of Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn.

    She pointed out his “record on antisemitism, his support for the IRA and homophobic terror groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, his support for brutal dictatorships in Venezuela and Cuba”.

    In the piece, titled “Why Vote Conservative” for scene magazine Boyz, she wrote,

    “As a member of the LGBTQI community, I often get asked about Theresa May’s voting record on gay rights, and I understand the concerns,

    “But just as Hillary Clinton changed her stance, so has Mrs May. Not only has she voted for every LGBT reform in parliament in the last decade but she was instrumental in pushing marriage equality.”

    “I am not a Tory”

    Defending her 2017 stance, Chipz took to Twitter to write,  “I am not a Tory. I’m actually a lifelong labour supporter. I supported Theresa May in the last election as I’m not a fan of Jeremy Corbyn.. was 4 years ago hun.. one is allowed to change ones views.

    — Baga Chipz MBE (@ChipShopBird) August 21, 2019

    How does Theresa May’s Voting Record on LGBT+ issues stand?

    Although more recently Theresa May’s voting record has leaned to pro-LGBT+ rights here past actions saw her vote in favour of Section 28,  in a GAYUK analysis May only achieved a 29.6% LGBT+ friendly rating. We noted, “Ms May is what we’d call an evolved Minister on LGBT+ and gay rights. Prior to 2004 she systematically voted against the rights of gay people in the UK. Then we see a 180-degree change in her voting pattern, although she did have a blip in 2007 when she failed to vote on the Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality law. Since the beginning of this decade, she has voted positively for the LGBT+ community.”

    Theresa May

    8 votes for, 10 votes against, 9 absences, between 2002–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 5

    2003: Civil partnerships.

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014:  Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 2

    1998: Equalising the age of consent.

    2002: Allowing gay couples to adopt children.

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 3

    2003: Repeal a ban on the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Section 28.

    2004: Allow Marriages to Remain Valid If They Become a Same-Sex Marriage.

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    Rating: 29.6%

     

    Chipz has now said that she’d vote Liberal Democrat.

     

  • Drag Queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK have been announced

    Drag Queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK have been announced

    The ten beautiful drag queens who will be competing for the title of UK’s first Drag Race Superstar have been ru-vealed.

    (C) BBC

    Handpicked for their huge slaying potential by Mama Ru herself, this eclectic group of queens are the perfect showcase of what the UK drag scene has to offer.

    RuPaul says: “Each of the UK queens is so unique, so courageous and so special. I can’t wait for the UK – and the world – to fall in love with them the same way I did.”

    The US Series of RuPaul’s Drag Race is a cult global phenomenon and since the announcement of the first UK adaptation of the show there has been frenzied fan speculation about the line-up.

    Introducing the ten competing queens: Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Crystal, Cheryl Hole, Divina De Campo, Gothy Kendoll, Sum Ting Wong, Scaredy Kat, The Vivienne, Vinegar Strokes.

    (C) BBC Baga Chipz

    (C) BBC Blu Hydrangea

    (C) BBC Cheryl Hole

    (C) BBC Gothy Kendoll

    (C) BBC Vinegar Strokes

    (C) BBC Divina De Campo

    (C) BBC Scaredy Kat

    (C) BBC Crystal

    (C) BBC Sum Ting Wong

    (C) BBC The Vivienne

    All ten queens will be taking part in Manchester Pride on Saturday 24 August for their first official appearance.

    Start your engines, and may the best woman win!

    The RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise, including RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, is produced by World of Wonder for BBC Three.

    Drag Race UK is commissioned by Fiona Campbell, Controller BBC Three and Kate Phillips, Controller, BBC Entertainment. The BBC Commissioning Editor is Ruby Kuraishe, and the Executive Producers are RuPaul Charles, Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, Sally Miles and Bruce McCoy from World of Wonder.

    A global phenomenon, the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise is available in 193 countries through network partners and World Of Wonder’s streaming service WOW Presents Plus. The series was nominated in the US for a record-breaking 23 Emmys, with nine wins including Outstanding Reality-Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality-Competition Program for the first time in Emmy history.

  • Are these the UK queens ready to star in the first ever UK drag race?

    Not to get you too excited, but it seems that a list of UK drag queens has been released…

    But take this list with a grain of salt, it’s not been confirmed, but it looks so good.

    According to the Twitter user, DragRaceUK_ the following queens are set to take part in the first ever RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, which is due to stream on BBC 3 later this year.

    The list that has been released contains 14 names and contains alternates and reserves according to the Twitter account, which isn’t a verified account.

    Cheryl Hole

    Gothy Kendoll

    Vinegar Strokes

    Sumtingwong

    Divina De Campo

    Scardey Kat

    Crystal Beth

    Bagachipz

    The Vivienne

    Blu Hydranga

    Vicki Vivacious

    Tiakofi

    Mary Mac

    Cookie Monstar

    Even if just some of this group of queens are in the final 10,  it’s sure to be an epic, epic debut season for the UK. The only problem is that it’s on BBC 3 and you will require a TV license to watch the show and there are no plans at this time to stream the show onto Netflix, the orginal home in the UK for Drag Race.

     

    https://twitter.com/DragRaceUK_/status/1118121763819409408

  • The Drag Race anti-Brexit placards were out in full force this weekend!

    The Drag Race anti-Brexit placards were out in full force this weekend!

    Drag Race stars used for wildly different purposes in Poland and the UK as Rupaul arrives for British Drag Race

    Yes girl!! It’s starting!! This week Rupaul and Michelle Visage arrived in the UK to start preparing for Drag Race UK. The two also caused a stir attending Waitress the musical and surprising the cast backstage.

    https://twitter.com/RuPaul/status/1109373808153116673

    Rumour has it the recordings will start this Monday!!

    Arriving in the UK right in time for the anti Brexit march, Rupaul might have been pleasantly surprised that so many signs carried her image or variations on famous Drag Race quotes.

    Yes, Drag Race fans made a point in turning out with some amazing banners to tell Brexit to sashay away!
    Here are some of the best.

    https://twitter.com/Alice_h88/status/1109735523290177536

    https://twitter.com/PaulNoblet/status/1109521356805279744

    Poland are also using Ru Queens for a campaign. Sadly this one is not good.
    The images of Alyssa Edwards and Trixie Mattel are being used in a far right campaign against homosexuality. We hope this usage will soon be stopped!

  • Drag Race UK: When does the first season start, who are the judges and what channel?

    Drag Race UK: When does the first season start, who are the judges and what channel?

    Drag Race UK pre-production is in full swing: but who are the judges, what channel will it air and who are the judges?

    when does Drag Race UK start

    Ever since it was announced that Drag Race was coming to the UK in late 2018, there was much speculation about who would be the judges. Well now all the judges have been announced and they are RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Graham Norton and Alan Carr.

    Drag Race UK was announced by the BBC and will be playing on BBC Three, which is only available online through the BBC iPlayer. BBC Three have revealed that there will be just eight, 60-minute episodes of the favourite reality TV show.

    Embed from Getty Images

    When will Drag Race UK be available to stream?

    The BBC has not yet announced the streaming date for Drag Race but we’re expected it to be either Autumn/ Winter 2019.

    Can I watch Drag for Free?

    Embed from Getty Images

    Unfortunately, Drag Race UK won’t be available on terrestrial TV and only available on the BBC’s iPlayer, which you need an up-to-date TV License and registered account to watch.

    What is Drag Race all about?

    Contestants will compete in individual or team challenges that test a specific drag queen skill before taking on the Maxi Challenge, the headline moment of each show where they may be required to perform, model in a photo shoot, prepare a runway look for a themed challenge before having to face the judges, with one contestant each week eliminated and asked to “Sashay Away”.

    Who are the confirmed judges for Drag Race UK?

    Who are the confirmed judges for Drag Race UK?

    Alan Carr and Graham Norton will be joining Michelle Visage and RuPaul for the first ever Drag Race UK as judges when it airs later this year. BBC Three confirmed the news today, while Michelle Visage was confirmed at the beginning of Feb 2019.

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  • Drag Race UK announces TWO new judges

    Drag Race UK announces TWO new judges

    RuPaul and Michelle Visage will be joined by two stalwarts of British TV.

    Alan Carr and Graham Norton will be joining Michelle Visage and RuPaul for the first ever Drag Race UK as judges when it airs later this year. BBC Three confirmed the news today, while Michelle Visage was confirmed earlier this month.

    Alan Carr is no stranger to drag having dressed up as various female stars for Heat magazine particularly when he dragged up as Madonna to recreate her infamous “cape” moment at the MTV Awards.

    BBC Three has confirmed two of TV’s best loved presenters and personalities, Graham Norton and Alan Carr, will be joining RuPaul and Michelle Visage on the judging panel for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

    Eight-time Bafta TV award-winner Graham Norton is no stranger to RuPaul’s Drag Race, having already appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars season two in the US as a guest judge in 2016. Whilst comedian Alan Carr is a long-time fan of RuPaul, having made his acquaintance when Ru appeared on his chat show Alan Carr’s Chatty Man.

    Both Graham and Alan share a passion for the drag scene and RuPaul’s Drag Race.

    The first UK adaption of the global hit will showcase the most fabulous drag queens that the UK has to offer, and Graham and Alan will appear as rotating resident judges. Each week, they will join RuPaul, Michelle Visage and a celebrity guest judge.

    For the grand finale, Graham and Alan will both appear on the judging panel alongside previously announced judge Michelle Visage, where together they will assist host RuPaul in crowning the UK’s Next Drag Superstar.

    Graham Norton says: “Becoming part of the drag race family makes me ridiculously happy! I can’t wait to see what the UK drag queens bring to the party, but they better weeeeerk!!!”

    Alan Carr, says: “Wow! To be sat next to Michelle Visage and Mama Ru as a guest judge on possibly one of my all-time favourite shows EVER is a dream come true. I can’t wait to see what the UK Queens have got in store – it’s going to be sickening! does death drop”

    RuPaul, says: “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!”

    Kate Phillips, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning, says: “I am so excited that self-confessed Drag Race fans Graham and Alan have agreed to join Ru and Michelle on our judging panel. Their immense wit and wisdom will be invaluable in ensuring the most deserving Queen sashays away with the title.”

    RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is an 8×60′ World of Wonder production for BBC Three. It was commissioned by Damian Kavanagh, Former Controller BBC Three and Kate Phillips, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC. The Executive Producers are RuPaul Charles, Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, Sally Miles and Bruce McCoy, and the BBC Commissioning Editor is Ruby Kuraishe.

  • Michelle Visage confirmed as a judge for UK Drag Race

    Michelle Visage confirmed as a judge for UK Drag Race

    Details people… details are starting to emerge.

    CREDIT: andykatz-bigstock

    Fan favourite Michelle Visage has been confirmed by the BBC to be a judge on this year’s UK drag race. In December it was confirmed that the juggernaut drag competition was coming to the UK and that BBC 3 is set to be the broadcaster.

    Now BBC Three has confirmed that the Visage will be a judge on the show and that RuPaul will be the show’s host.

    Speaking about her appointment Michelle said, “We’ve been working tirelessly to bring the magic of RuPaul’s Drag Race to my favourite city in the world: London! I know the UK has a wealth of talent to offer and I’m thrilled beyond belief to see these queens battle it out on the main stage, UK-style! GOD SAVE THE QUEENS!”

    Michelle has been a judge on the US version of the show since season 2. © Jean_Nelson Depositphotos

    Visage has judged eight seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race and four seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars in the US and is an integral part of the show’s continued success. Visage and RuPaul have over 20 years of working history on a variety of projects, from their successful What’s The Tee podcast, to their top-rated morning radio show, to 100+ episodes of their 90s talk show, The RuPaul Show.

  • Here are 10 Drag queens who would absolutely SLAY in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

    Now that Drag Race UK has been announced we can start imagining who would be sensational! Well, there’s such a wealth of drag talent in the UK we’d be spoilt for choice, well here’s our top 10…

    10) Lady Lloyd

    She’s loud, proud, brash and powerful it’s earned her a status as a loveable loose cannon within the drag world.

    9) La Voix

    La Voix already wowed audiences on BGT and she’s a regular around the UK… so could she be a contender?

    8) Mary Mac

    A powerhouse Scottish queen, whose vocals are second to none. Was a part of the Supreme Fabulettes before going on to front her own show at The Admiral Duncan.

    7) Yshee Black

    Pronounced Why Is She Black this Birmingham-based drag queen is insanely talented and very very funny – get yourself to Church honey…

    6) Crystal D’Cantor

    This fabulous queen is what British Drag is all about, getting down with the crowd, wearing the biggest wig you can find/afford and animal print. Always animal print. You could write what this queen doesn’t know about backcombing on the back leg of a My Little Pony.

     

    5) Sandra

    There probably isn’t a club, bar, backroom or toilet that Sandra hasn’t performed in. Having been on the scene for over 15 years – Sandra has sworn, blown and bitch slapped her way to our top 10 ten. All hail the Whore Of Hampsted.

     

    4) Dave Lynn

    Ah Dave Lynn… In a career that’s spanned nearly 40 years Dave Lynn knows how to control an audience like a wireless vibrator. She rose to fame after entering a competition at the now defunct Black Cap and the only queen to have appeared on The Weakest Link with Anne Robinson (praise be) 4 times.

    3) Dusty O

    Described as queen bee of Soho, you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of Dusty O once she’s up on stage, with mic in hand.

     

    2) Titti La Camp

    Basically RuPaul would have no idea what hit her if Titti was in the house – it’d most likely be a chicken leg. Titti La Camp’s routine, is, well the stuff of legend. The audience knows what’s coming up and loves every moment of it. From Michelle McManus to Karen Carpenter.

    1) Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage

    Possibly the most famous drag queen the UK has ever enjoyed. Although Paul O’Grady is unlikely to don another pair of heels, we think Paul O’Grady could teach even Ru a thing or two about Drag.

     

  • RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to UK

    RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to UK

    Queens… get ready, RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to the UK…

    This is the news that we’ve all been waiting for. No more rumours. It has been confirmed.

    BBC 3 is set to be the broadcaster for a UK version of the epic drag queen reality TV show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. BBC three tweeted and confirmed the news this morning (5th December).

    RuPaul told The Sun: “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.”

    Michelle Visage took to Twitter to say, “HERE WE GO! SEE YOU ON THE MAIN STAGE, UK QUEENS…. Audition deets coming soon! Hey super queens, who’s got what it takes to be part of our royal family?”