RuPaul’s Drag Race UK to air on BBC Three in 2019
RuPaul of RuPaul’s Drag Race. (VH1)
The wait is over. RuPaul is bringing RuPaul’s Drag Race to the UK for the first time next year, with eight episodes set to air on BBC Three.
In its near decade-long history, the iconic US reality show has been broadcast across the world, with spin-off versions launched in Thailand and one planned for Brazil.
The announcement of a RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series, first reported by The Sun and shared on Twitter by RuPaul on Wednesday, comes after years of speculation as to when the show would hit the British Isles.
“Of course I am a judge…..I am THE judge!!”
— Michelle Visage
And with a new royal baby on the way in 2019, there is no better time for British queens to shine.
Who will star in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK?
“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,” RuPaul said.
RuPaul tweeted the wig-snatching announcement on Twitter on December 5. (Rupaul/Twitter)
Michelle Visage, a regular judge on the show, has confirmed RuPaul will be hosting and she will “of course” be part of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
“FINALLY it’s HAPPENING” she tweeted on Wednesday, adding “guys. yes. of COURSE i am a judge…..i am THE judge!!” to dispel any doubt as to what her role may be.
The US show also features A-list guest judges, a format that will likely be replicated in the UK. The US version has featured Lady Gaga and Khloe Kardashian as guest judges.
Michelle Visage has confirmed she will star in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK as a judge. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)
The announcement excited the show’s fans, with some already enquiring about ticket release for the performance episodes or the finals.
Michelle Visage responded: “No details on anything yet my love, but as they emerge they will be tweeted, etc.”
One fan has already come up with a wish list of celebrity judges that should appear on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, including the one and only Victoria Beckham and comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.
The fan also begged not to include Piers Morgan in the show—an unlikely gig for the ITV host, as this year’s PinkNews April’s Fool story highlighted.
RuPaul’s Drag Race‘s soaring popularity
The award-winning series’ popularity has increased steadily in the past 10 years.
According to Reddit, RuPaul’s Drag Race was the most popular television subreddit this year.
The drag queen competition has attracted 8.8 million comments on the platform, a million more than the second-most popular show, Game of Thrones.
Reddit expects GoT to gain the lead as its final season airs in April 2019—but RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will provide tough competition.
The commercial success of RuPaul‘s Drag Race is matched by critical acclaim.
The show won five Emmy Awards this year—an unprecedented success—including its first-ever Outstanding Reality Show honour.
