It’s Official: RuPaul Will Host a UK Version of ‘Drag Race’ Starring Local Queens
Drag Race UK has just been confirmed, with RuPaul himself as host of the new series and local, homegrown UK queens as the show’s contestants.
The series, consisting of eight episodes and 10 contestants, will air on BBC3.
This marks the first time an international version of the show with RuPaul as host has been created outside of the United States. Back in February, Drag Race Thailand premiered, though it was hosted by two popular Thai queens, Art Arya and Pangina Heals.
“I am beyond excited to celebrate the massive charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of the Queen’s queens,” The Sun reports RuPaul as saying. “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.”
Seeing as how RuPaul’s Drag Race has a massive international fanbase, including in the United Kingdom, it shouldn’t be difficult for the show’s producers to find a few famous fans to act as guest judges on eps of Drag Race UK. (In my humble opinion, there are quite a few British chat show hosts who would be great, including Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr and Graham Norton.)
The Sun quotes a TV source as saying, “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.”
That source has also said the show will (unsurprisingly) film in London, and casting directors will be on the hunt for talented UK queens who are have what it takes to become “The UK’s Next Drag Superstar.”
“It’s really exciting for everyone involved and is expected to draw a lot of new fans to the franchise,” says the source.
No word yet on whether any other famous personalities from the show’s U.S. version, like Michelle Visage (currently a judge on Ireland’s Got Talent) or Ross Mathews, will appear on Drag Race UK.
