Drag Race UK reveals A-list batch of season two guest judges and we’re already gagging
RuPaul. (WOW)
Drag Race UK has revealed that Elizabeth Hurley will lead a gag-worthy batch of season two guest judges.
Model, actor and icon Elizabeth Hurley will take her seat on the judges’ panel for the Drag Race UK season two premiere on 14 January.
Hurley – who said her drag name would be Betty Bang Bang – called the experience “hysterical”.
“My whole family is obsessed with the show and would have disowned me if I hadn’t said yes to being a judge. I am in awe of RuPaul and couldn’t take my eyes off him,” she added.
Elizabeth Hurley will join RuPaul for Drag Race UK season two. (BBC)
Also on the Drag Race UK season two guest judge roster are Lorraine Kelly, Sheridan Smith, MNEK and Jourdan Dunn.
MNEK appeared on season one as a vocal coach and “loved being a part of it”. He warned viewers to expect “Mariah on American Idol” when he takes his seat next to RuPaul.
“I’m a fan of Drag Race, as is most of the gay community,” he said. “It’s literally our version of sports or something.”
“I loved being a part of it. So to be asked to judge this year, I was so so so excited.”
MNEK was a vocal coach for the challenge that birthed the Frock Destroyers. (Balugamedia)
Lorraine Kelly is another returnee, having played the Snatch Game in season one.
She said of the show: “It’s funny, sassy and hugely entertaining but also has real heart. Barriers come crashing down and we all learn to love each other a little more.”
Self-confessed “super-fan” Sheridan Smith was “shaking” the day she walked on set – and not because she was heavily pregnant at the time.
“Ru was sat next to me!” Said the star, whose drag name would be Aunty Bac. “And Michelle Visage! And Alan Carr! It’s been amazing. The queens are fabulous. I had the best day. I felt like I’d won a competition.”
Model Journal Dunn was also in awe of RuPaul, having been a Drag Race fan since day one.
“What I love about Drag Race is it puts the biggest smile on my face and it just warms my heart seeing the queens come together and be their true, authentic selves,” she said.
“I feel what it stands for – unity and being who you wanna be – and I’m here for it.”
Not yet confirmed by the BBC, but outed of her own accord is Dawn French, who revealed back in October that she would be joining the panel.
“They did originally ask me to be a full-time judge, but I couldn’t – I don’t live in London,” she told Jessie Ware’s Table Manners podcast.
“But I am going to be a guest judge.”
Also reported to be making an appearance this season is TOWIE legend Gemma Collins, who is set to play the Snatch Game.
The Drag Race UK season two guest judge announcement came a day after the full line-up of queens was revealed.
The Drag Race UK season two queens each dressed in a colour of the Progress Pride flag (BBC)
Hailing from England, Wales and – for the first time – Scotland, the 12 queens are: Tayce, Joe Black, A’Whora, Tia Kofi, Ellie Diamond, Sister Sister, Veronica Green, Bimini Bon Boulash, Ginny Lemon and Asttina Mandella.
