RuPaul’s Drag Race’s latest trailer and release date has been leaked (Picture: World Of Wonder)
Start your engines, RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 is coming on New Year’s Day – and will feature one hell of a lip-sync extravaganza.
The teaser clip was accidentally leaked online on Tuesday, revealing a first look at the new batch of queens aiming to be America’s Next Drag Superstar.
— ððµð®ð»ðð®ðð³ð¶ð°ð®ð´ð®ð (@shantayficagay) December 8, 2020
While this clip has been making the rounds on fansites, it’s not technically official just yet, with the screen recording being leaked rather than being officially announced.
We also don’t know the names of the queens just yet – but we’re dying to know.
Who will join the Drag Race hall of fame?! (Picture: VH1)
When is RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 launching in the UK?
While the likely US launch date is Friday, January 1 on VH1 in the US, a UK air date is yet to be confirmed.
However, on previous seasons, the show aired on Netflix the following day, uploading at 8am so quick viewers don’t see spoilers online.
Netflix is yet to confirm if this will be the case this time around, however.
Metro.co.uk has contacted Netflix and World of Wonder for comment.
RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 returns January 1 on VH1 in the US.
Got A Story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
RuPaul’s Drag Race fans have noticed a significant change to one of the most famous catchphrases on the show in a first look released for season 13.
On New Year’s Day, RuPaul’s Drag Race returns for its 13th cycle, introducing viewers to dazzling performers among the likes of Olivia Lux, Rosé and Gottmik, the competition’s first ever trans male contestant.
Ahead of its launch, a sneak peek of the first episode was unveiled, showing New Yorker Kandy Muse and Phoenix-based Joey Jay meeting for the first time in the Werk Room.
Before the queens are able to make the acquaintance of the rest of their cast mates, they’re instructed in a video message from RuPaul to make their way to the main stage straight away, where they soon discover they’ll be taking part in their very first lip sync for their lives. The drama begins!
Typically, before RuPaul takes her place on the judges panel in front of the main stage, the drag queen says the catchphrase: ‘Gentlemen, start your engines, and may the best woman win.’
However, in a move to champion inclusivity of gender pronouns, the first look at the season premiere features RuPaul saying the newly-updated phrase: ‘Racers, start your engines, and may the best drag queen win.’
Joey Jay and Kandy Muse are unable to hide their shock as they receive a surprise message (Picture: RuPaul’s Drag Race/VH1)
This alteration was noticed by multiple Drag Race fans, several of whom praised the update.
‘I’m glad RuPaul is acknowledging that a trans queen is on this season by saying “May the best drag queen win!” Instead of “May the best woman win”,’ one person person tweeted.
Someone else admitted that the new catchphrase made them ‘tear up’, stating: ‘It’s not a lot of progress but at least some.’
Following her entrance on the stage in the first episode of the new series, RuPaul – wearing a shimmering, futuristic, bubble-gum pink gown – takes her place on the judges panel alongside Michelle Visage, Ross Matthews and Carson Kressley
The judges then welcome Kandy Muse and Joey Jay to the stage, who promptly put on an entertaining lip sync performance of Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe, having been informed that one of them will be told ‘shantay you stay’ and the other will be told to ‘sashay away’.
In an unsurprising turn of events, the clip cuts out before we find out who has won the lip sync battle.
So will either Kandy Muse or Joey Jay actually be sent home before the competition has even really begun, and will the rest of the cast also have to lip sync for their lives in the season premiere? We don’t have long to find out!
RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 premieres on January 1 at 8pm ET/PT on VH1. It is expected to be released on Netflix shortly afterwards.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is back in for another round in all its wonderfully bonkers glory – just when we needed something fabulous to fill our evenings with.
We would be lying if we didn’t worry about the risk of over-dragging things out, with so many queens to be keeping track of between the two seasons.
But thankfully, Drag Race UK doesn’t only remind us just how much we love this show, it’s also providing one of the strongest line-ups in the franchise ever at the same time.
There is no major weak link in the 12 queens that arrive for Drag Race UK. While queens like Joe Black and A’Whorea are more polished, others – like Bimini Bon Boulash and Veronica Green – have so much charisma you don’t really care about their looks being less than 100.
Some, like Lawrence Chaney and Tayce, are there to win and their determination shines, while others (Tia Kofi and Cherry Valentine) are just having so much fun that you are dragged along for the ride with them.
Wimbled-hun is our new fave sport (Picture: BBC)
Similar to last year, after intros the queens are given a photoshoot challenge – this time inspired by Wimbledon – and all the ball gags write themselves as our Wimbled-huns are thrown onto the court with a racket and two pants-clad members of the Pit Crew.
As Liz Hurley joins the judging panel as this week’s extra special guest judge, each queen has to leave their mark with two looks – a gay icon outfit, and a performance representing their hometown.
It’s a real shame that the only thing up for grabs for the winners remains the RuPeter badges, as these performers are way up there in everything that makes Drag Race so beautifully Drag Race.
The show has stepped its p***y up (Picture: BBC)
The camp is turned up to 11, the comedy is shovelled in and there’s beauty found even in the most hodge-podge of moments and queens.
This season has launched in a way that’s much betta than season one – and seeing as that was incredible, we cannot even begin to tell you how excited we are for the upcoming episodes.
Key Moments:
RuPaul’s rainbow dress is just pure *chef’s kiss*
We need more Liz Hurley in things. She’s fabulous and has far more cheeky charm than we were expecting.
Is there any way we can keep all the queens forever?
We’re sensing some serious shadiness brewing though, we can’t wait to see how this plays out…
Verdict:
Maybe it’s our home country bias but RuPaul’s Drag Race UK may have just brought the best line-up of queens ever to the franchise.
While some may be a little bit more seasoned than others, there is fight and charm, charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent in all of them to the point you don’t actually want anyone going home.
It’s going to be a seriously tough season, we can feel it. And we cannot wait for all the drama to come onto our screens.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK launches Thursday at 7pm on BBC Three on iPlayer (UK) and WOW Presents Plus (US and other territories).
Got A Story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Sheridan Smith wept as she watched two Cherry Valentine and Tayce battle it out during one of the most emotional lip-syncs in Drag Race herrrrstory.
The Drag Race UKseason 2 line-up is proving to be one of the strongest casts the franchise has seen in years and during the latest episode, the queens performed the first UK Rusical, Rats – a suitably warped interpretation of Cats.
After the glittering spectacle and the talent all served their runway looks, NHS nurse Valentine and Tayce, were left to battle it out for their place in the competition.
Miming to Elaine Paige’s version of Memory, the two queens brought the panel – made up of Alan Carr, Michelle Visage, RuPaul and Smith – to tears.
West End star Smith wiped her eyes and told her fellow judges: ‘I’m crying.’
‘Wow,’ RuPaul gasped.
Sheridan Smith wept in Drag Race UK (Picture: BBC Three)
Cherry Valentine was gone too soon (Picture: BBC Three)
‘I do not deserve to go. I do not deserve to leave this competition,’ she said.
As she left the stage for the final time, however, she waved goodbye on a gracious note, thanking the judges for ‘lighting a fire up my arse’.
Leaving a lipstick letter to her cast mates on the dressing room mirror, she wrote: ‘Always remember love yourself first. Can’t wait to pop your cherries again.’
Drag Race UK continues Thursdays at 7pm on BBC Three.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
***Warning: Contains Drag Race UK season 2 spoilers***
RuPaul had had it, officially, on this week’s Drag Race UK and tore into the contestants about not being up to standard on the runway.
After a seven-month break due to coronavirus shutting down production, the remaining queens returned for a Eurovision challenge, splitting into two girl groups for their take on cheesy pop track, UK Hun.
However, performing alongside Tia Kofi, Sister Sister and Ellie Diamond in Bananadrama, the Brighton queen stood out for all the wrong reasons in a simple pink dress next to her co-stars’ more elaborate costumes.
While making a significant improvement with her windswept look for the Day at The Seaside runway, Joe then rubbed Ru up the wrong way when criticised about the dress, admitting it was from H&M.
RuPaul was fuming after one of the girls’ performances (Picture: BBC)
Joe wore a simple pink dress to match her co-stars (Picture: BBC)
A seething Ru then exploded not just at Joe, but all the remaining queens on the runway, telling them they needed to fix their behaviour and up their game when it comes to looks.
‘That outfit, off the rack, was a huge disappointment to me,’ she said. ‘That’s what everyday people do, and you should know that because you are a star. This goes to all of you up here.
‘If it is from H&M you better glitter the f**k out of it and make it something special. We’re looking for Great Britain’s Next Superstar. Don’t waste my time.
‘I don’t want to see any f**king H&M. What say you, Joe Black?’
Joe joked about the dress to the anger of Ru (Picture: BBC)
‘I agree with you,’ Joe said. ‘I’m very stuck in what I do. So, I had other outfit options but the problem was again they were maybe too old looking.’
But Ru wasn’t having any of it, and continued: ‘I came all the way across the pond. I want more. I want more!
‘Is that asking for too much? I don’t think so. I don’t think so. This is the biggest stage for drag in the world. This is the Eurovision of drag. So, I think we’ve heard enough.’
Ru was joined by Michelle Visage, Graham Norton and MNEK on the panel this week (Picture: BBC)
Viewers couldn’t quite believe RuPaul went off on the queens like that – declaring she’d ‘gone full Tyra Banks’ in an homage to the now iconic ‘we were all rooting for you’ speech on America’s Next Top Model.
Naturally, Drag Race fans were also obsessed with Ru’s comments.
That Drag Race episode had EVERYTHING: Tyra style âI was rooting for youâ meltdown, one of the best girl groups ever and @MNEK. Ru seems like sheâs having the most fun in years. Made me soooo happy â¤ï¸ #DragRaceUK
The moment somewhat sealed Joe’s fate, and unsurprisingly Joe found themselves in the bottom two alongside Tia, who had also been criticised for her runway.
The pair performed Don’t Leave Me This Way by The Communards, with Joe being told to sashay away.
Speaking after the elimination, Joe said: ‘In the spirit of Eurovision… nil points! I was less of a wallflower than I thought I was last time and I got to show people a bit of me because I got to show this silly bloody costume.
‘There were only eight people left and to that crown I was Glenn Close… but no cigar!’
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK airs Thursdays at 7pm on BBC iPlayer (UK) and World of Wonder (Rest of World).
Got A Story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
RuPaul had paid tribute to trailblazing queer artist Ari Gold after his death at 47 (Picture: Getty)
RuPaul and Laverne Cox are among the celebrities to pay tribute to famed dance music artist Ari Gold, who has died aged 47 after a long battle with leukaemia.
The singer-songwriter is best known for the 2007 electronic single Where The Music Takes You.
Throughout his long career he released seven albums and collaborated with the likes of Boy George, Diana Ross and Cyndi Lauper.
In the wake of the news of his death, RuPaul shared on social media: ‘Until we meet again, dear friend. @SirAriGold Love always, Ru.’
Gold was close with the Drag Race star and described him as ‘the closest thing I’ve known to a mentor’ in an episode of his podcast A Kiki From The Cancer Ward.
He added: ‘I couldn’t tell you how many hours on the phone we’d spend where I would vomit out my perceived problems of the moment and Ru would give me a more evolved, spiritual perspective on him.’
Orange Is The New Black star Laverne shared her tribute to Gold on Instagram, adding that she was listening to his podacst in his memory.
Gold had had a long battle with cancer(Picture: Getty)
She wrote: ‘Listening to this thinking of you. We could laugh about these sorts of things even when we would cry a few minutes later. Thinking about you.
‘Let’s all send so much love to my friend @sirarigold so he feels it in his new resting place. #rip Ari’.
The comedian wrote three days ago: ‘He is too special too talk about in a little post. But it would be so nice if you would just say a prayer for his recovery.
‘His Hebrew name is Ari Daniel Ben Malka Gittel. Thank you.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
UK Hun?, the song performed by the contestants in last week’s ‘RuRuvision’ episode, is utterly inescapable on social media (Picture: BBC/Drag Race UK)
When it was announced that the current season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK would have a Eurovision-themed maxi-challenge, it was only ever going to be iconic.
But not even the most excited among us could have predicted that the nation – nay, the world – would have every waking thought consumed by nine simple, unforgettable, pop culture re-defining words in the days and (probably) weeks that followed: ‘ding dang dong, sing sang song’, and indeed, ‘bing bang bong’.
UK Hun?, the song performed by the contestants in last week’s ‘RuRuvision’ episode, is utterly inescapable on social media; and as it continues to dominate memes, playlists and – yes – even the charts (it was at No25 on Monday’s midweeks), it’s yet another reason why this season is fast becoming one of the franchise’s best ever.
Granted, it might be benefitting from the fact that we’re all struggling with lockdown fatigue, or that we were kept waiting for it due to Covid-19 delays, or that we’re so starved of seeing drag acts (and our own LGBTQ+ friends) in real life.
But goddammit, it’s been such an uplifting pleasure to watch.
And – unlike many other reality brands that survive for so many years – it’s something fans are tuning into with genuine excitement rather than an ongoing sense of habit or brand loyalty.
The key, as ever, is in the line-up of contestants. Reality shows live and die by their casting, and the Queens of 2021 are a pure joy to spend an hour a week with.
From Lawrence Cheney’s magnificently loud humour to every self-deprecating one-liner that comes out of Tia Kofi’s mouth, they’re all bringing something to the table – and even those who’ve at times been given the inevitable Villain Edit (most notably A’Whora) have had their humanising backstories explored as time has gone on.
Meanwhile, in real sit-up-and-think moments, Tayce and Asttina Mandella sparked a wider discussion about underrepresented Black queer icons; and Bimini Bon Boulash and Ginny Lemon’s recent conversation about being non-binary proved to be so much more informative and helpful than, say, the ill-informed ‘debates’ we see on daytime TV.
There’s a gloriously unpolished, slightly rough-around-the-edges naivety to Drag Race UK; thanks to its slightly lower budget and the absence of the same blockbuster designers who’ve dominated the US version in recent years.
And the fact that the queens feel like people we could easily run into at the local supermarket really helps in the relatability stakes – even if most of us could never be as nifty with a sewing machine and a make-up kit.
Combine all that with brilliant lip-syncs, inventive tasks, a wonderfully chaotic set of runway looks, and RuPaul and Michelle Visage having the time of their lives (H&M rant aside); you have a show that’s easily providing all the heart, humour and shriek-inducing drama its audience is desperately craving.
In fact, if there’s any downside, it’s that it’s making season 13 of the US version (currently airing on Netflix) look a little limp by comparison.
Don’t get me wrong, if ever there was a time to be double-teamed by two concurrent helpings of Drag Race, this bleakest of winters is it.
Reality shows live and die by their casting, and the Queens of 2021 are a pure joy to spend an hour a week with (Picture: BBC/World of Wonder/Guy Levy)
But while the Americans are confidently delivering on talented queens (Gottmik! Olivia Lux! Tamisha Iman!), meme-worthy moments (LaLa Ri’s frock of many bags!) and guest judges that make us tweet ‘MAKE HER PERMANENT!’, it all feels a bit… routine by this point.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing: it’s a routine that millions of us love, and one we’ll happily lap up for many more years to come.
But aside from The Symone – who has quickly become one of the most talented, exciting, endlessly watchable contestants the show has ever had – there’s not much to set it apart from any other US season over the last five or six years, apart the Perspex screens keeping the panel a safe distance apart.
Maybe that’s unfair, and maybe without the current UK run to directly compare it against, it would be able to pop a bit more. But as it stands, the BBC Three series is just so much easier to outright love.
It’s making me re-evaluate all the eye-rolling I, and many others, have been doing whenever another spin-off is announced.
This year alone, we’re still expecting another All Stars from the US, as well as new seasons from Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Australia and New Zealand, and – if it goes back to its original autumn transmission window – the UK.
It’s easy to worry about the onset of Drag Race fatigue, but in actual fact, it’s these international adaptations that have been giving the most excitement. I was wary about joining the Canada’s Drag Race bandwagon last summer, but that ended up being a massive home run – again, thanks to the casting.
It just proves that, so long after its debut in 2009, Drag Race as a franchise still has plenty more life left in it.
For all its flaws, it’s a show we’re very lucky to have – and 12 years after its arrival, it looks like UK season two will join US seasons four, five and six, All Stars season 2 and UK season 1 as one of its best ever chapters.
The Drag Race world is expanding… again (Picture: BBC/World of Wonder/Guy Levy)
We’ve already got RuPaul’s Drag Race, Drag Race All Stars, Drag Race UK, Canada’s Drag Race, Drag Race Holland and Drag Race Thailand, with Spanish and Australian editions on the way.
But the franchise isn’t done with delivering the goods, henny.
A new Drag Race spin-off has been confirmed, and it sounds like a Eurovision Song Contest of drag, which is something we didn’t know we desperately needed until right now.
Streaming service Paramount+ has announced that they will be the home of Queen of the Universe, a new series from the producers of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The brief announcement during Viacom’s investor presentation said: ‘Who will be crowned the first global drag Queen of the Universe? Find out in the new series from the producers of RuPaul’s Drag Race.’
While many fans freaked out over the thought of a global All-Stars with queens from past Drag Race series, it seems that Queen of the Universe will be more focused on vocal stylings than runway stomping or Snatch Game impersonations, as the show is described as ‘a singing competition like no other’.
See? Drag Eurovision.
The show promises to be ‘a singing competition like no other’ (Picture: (Picture: BBC)
It’s unclear whether Ru girls will make up the contestants or if drag queens who haven’t previously competed in the RuPaul universe will join the cast.
Paramount+ also announced that the sixth season of Drag Race All Stars will stream on their platform.
All Stars – which invites back past contestants to compete – has been shifted around quite a lot, airing on Logo, then VH1, before its move to Showtime was scrapped due to scheduling adjustments forced by the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the moment, the original US series of Drag Race drops on Netflix after airing on VH1 in the States, while the UK and Canadian series air on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
All of editions are also available to stream on WOW Presents Plus, the World of Wonder streaming service.
Currently, Drag Race US season 13 and the second UK season are running concurrently, and while many fans have complained about an oversaturation of Drag Race content, they couldn’t have come at a better time as lockdown continues.
The global pandemic heavily affected filming of Drag Race UK, after the show was forced to suspend production for seven months last year mid-series.
At one point, a full phrase was censored from the show, with viewers mystified.
‘The best advice I ever received growing up was from my nan,’ A’Whora – real name George Boyle – said.
‘You know, people always say, there’s such a huge age gap between the older and the younger generation.
‘And [that’s] right, but me and my nan found that that gap was what really brought us together. It was a real deep wholesome connection. We both had [censored].’
It was later revealed, in an uncensored clip posted by World Of Wonder, that A’Whora said: ‘We both have gaping a***holes.’
What did AâWhora say though? If they left some of that in, what did they beep out? ðð
— The Peopleâs Eyebrow (@TheBlueEyebrow) March 4, 2021
With the judges giggling on the panel, Alan was seen hiding his face in his hands.
The Chatty Man star later suggested that the performance was a little too filthy, joking that A’Whora wouldn’t land a spot at the Royal Variety Show.
‘I don’t think it always needs to be in the gutter,’ Michelle added.
The judges were shocked (Picture: BBC)
Fans were desperate to know what she said, with one writing: ‘Not knowing what filth A’whora said in the standup set is Drag Race’s equivalent of the Gavin & Stacey fishing trip.’
‘No but what was Awhora’s joke??????’ another asked, while one more said: ‘What did A’Whora say though? If they left some of that in, what did they beep out?’
Elsewhere on the show, A’Whora has stunned, with her runway looks being a particular win on multiple occasions.
She also recently gave fans a glimpse behind the scenes as she shared her Snatch Game audition tape, where she impersonated Katie Price.
The queen later decided to drop her impersonation, giving us her best Louis Spence instead, with her fellow queen Bimini Bon Boulash taking on the Pricey.
Four queens are now left in the competition, with them battling it out to become the series two champion.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK returns Friday at 7pm on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK fans think Bimini Bon Boulash was ‘robbed’ of series two crown (Picture: BBC)
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK fans were left fuming as the winner of series two was finally revealed.
After an intense competition that saw the return of queens, including Veronica Green who was forced to pull out of the show due to coronavirus, RuPaul and the judges unveiled Lawrence Chaney as their winner.
She made history as the show’s first Scottish queen and was thrilled to be going home with the crown.
‘This is insane, it’s incredible. Scotland babes, I brought the crown home,’ Lawrence cried as the result was revealed, while RuPaul praised her ‘charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent’ for ‘charming the world’.
Viewers watching at home, however, were in uproar over the result, with many voicing that they felt Bimini Bon Boulash was ‘robbed’ – and #DefundTheBBC soon trending on social media.
Taking to Twitter in their droves, fans shared their shock, with one commenting: ‘WHAT?! I’d have bet the house on Bimini winning!!’
Fans shared their shock over the result on Twitter (Picture: BBC)
Lawrence became the first Scottish queen to win the show (Picture: BBC)
Another said: ‘Hmm…good for Lawrence but BIMINI SHOULD HAVE WON.’
‘A bimini bon burglary has occurred,’ tweeted one viewer, while another agreed: ‘Bimini Bon Burgled #DragRaceUK.’
‘Hmm…good for Lawrence but BIMINI SHOULD HAVE WON,’ said one frustrated fan, as another posted: ‘Don’t get me wrong I loved Lawrence from the start but BIMINI HAS BEEN ROBBED.’
‘Livid. Bimini was robbed,’ said another.
Another fan shared: ‘Btw you can be upset that Bimini lost without being negative towards Lawrence, because let’s be real Lawrence deserved it 100% too and was such a good competitor and really did so well the entire season, so I’m happy with the outcome, congrats Lawrence!’
While plenty of other viewers were quick to share how ‘proud’ they were of Lawrence for stealing the crown.
The final episode saw the remaining four queens – Bimini, Lawrence, Tayce and Ellie Diamond – take part in an all-singing, all-dancing performance of RuPaul classic A Little Bit Of Love, before sharing advice they would now give their younger selves.
‘Don’t hide yourself from everyone. Yes, it’s to prevent other people bullying you, but not everyone is out to get you. Try to take every day as it comes. Cut your hair. Genuinely, relax and have a laugh because you’re a superstar,’ Lawrence said.
Asked why she should be crowned the winner of season two, Bimini said: ‘I feel like I’ve got so much to give. I want to change the world. And I want to keep pushing to celebrate weirdness, celebrate queerness, celebrate everything that makes you different.
BIMINI WAS ROBBED IM FUMING FFS THIS IS LIKE SEASON 1 ALL OVER AGAIN #DragRaceUK
— sanna RÎÎD TÎ UTÎPIÎ (@jiyoocatcher) March 18, 2021
i canât believe bimini didnât win? lawrence absolutely butchered that choreo?! and i didnât even look once at her during the lip sync? iâm fuming #DragRaceUK
As much as I am pleased for Lawrence Chany, she was not the rightful winner. I mean even Tayce wouldâve been better. But Bimini was robbed ð #DragRaceUK
— Sabrina Wood ð¦ð¦ (@sabrinadelphine) March 18, 2021
btw you can be upset that bimini lost without being negative towards lawrence, because let’s be real lawrence deserved it 100% too and was such a good competitor and really did so well the entire season, so i’m happy with the outcome, congrats lawrence! #dragraceuk
— jamie ð congrats lawrence! (@symonesmuse) March 18, 2021
‘That’s what makes you unique, makes you beautiful. I want to make everyone proud. I want to make you proud. I want to make my friends proud. I want to make my mum proud.’
Lawrence, Bimini and Tayce were announced as the top three queens and were tasked with one final challenge of lip-syncing to I’m Still Standing by Elton John.
Earlier in the emotional finale, fans were left in tears as the queens opened up in candid interviews with RuPaul and Michelle Visage.
Bimini spoke of how a friend of hers died when she was 18 years old and she now wanted to make her pal proud.
Bimini had fans in tears as she spoke of her friend dying when she was 18 (Picture: BBC)
Tayce revealed her dad was in Wham! with George Michael (Picture: BBC)
She also opened up about tough times that she had endured, which led to her getting caught up in drugs and battling depression.
Bimini admitted: ‘I went through a period of being quite depressed, a few years ago I was mixed up in a lot of drugs and I feel like if I hadn’t had stopped, I probably wouldn’t have been here right now.’
In her chat, Tayce opened up about her childhood in Newport, Wales and said that her white mother was often given strange looks for having four mixed race children.
Asked about her parents and if they were still together, Tayce said: ‘They were together for a good 20 years. My dad used to be in Wham, and play the bass guitar in Wham.’
‘He’s always been one of my biggest supporters,’ Tayce gushed. ‘I was always prancing around in wigs, they fully let me go and just let me be myself, and I’ve just always been so blessed and privileged.’
RuPaul’s Drag Race is available on BBC iPlayer (UK) and WOW Presents Plus (Rest Of World).
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
The drag queen has got a new gig in the West End with some familiar faces (Picture: Getty/ Metro.co.uk)
The RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, 28, on working with pop royalty, becoming a West End star, and shedding the pounds.
So, what are you up to?
I’m in isolation, blow-drying a wig…
Because you’re becoming a West End star!
Well, I had a one-woman show at Christmas but bless Covid… I’m very excited about my upcoming show, Drag Queens Of Pop, with me, Veronica Green and Tia Kofi.
Did you know Tia and Veronica already?
Yeah. Tia’s in the video for my new single and I’ve done Facebook Live with Veronica. It’s going to be a mixture of our own material, covers, stuff together.
It’s all live, which is a nice nod to good old British drag. I’ll be sticking to my roots with a bit of comedy as well.
The Vivienne is teaming up with Season 2 fan favourite Tia Kofi for her West End show (Picture: BBC/World of Wonder/Ray Burmiston)
What covers can we expect?
Some of my classics: Pete Burns, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi. And I want to learn some new stuff, musical theatre, but keep it poppy. As for the others, it’s up to them. And we need to figure out what group numbers we’re going to do.
And you have a new single…
Yes! It’s called Bitch On Heels and it comes from the legendary writer Diane Warren, which is one of the most insane things that’s happened. It means me and Diane have become good friends.
I never dreamed that would happen. She’s written for Aerosmith and Cher and Lady Gaga. To sing a song by that legend! And the song is the best thing I’ve ever done. It fits my drag character so well.
It doesn’t sound like a typical drag queen record: I didn’t want to be singing about wigs and heels [laughs] even though it’s called Bitch On Heels.
You’ve been watching Tia and Veronica in Drag Race UK this year. How does it compare with the year you won?
It’s completely different. It’s an amazing series but the queens were a lot younger and so a lot more fashion-forward and with a very worthy winner in Lawrence Chaney.
Veronica Green will also be starring in Drag Queens of Pop after she wowed in a musical theatre challenge (Picture: Lizzi Morton/BBC/RuPaul’s Drag Race UK )
We were Team Bimini…
I think I was Team Bimini but you have to remember that these people are human beings and so it wasn’t nice that there was so much negativity on social media.
It’s the nature of the beast: it’s reality and drag always comes with a bit of that. Drag queens can be bitchy with each other but it’s tongue in cheek.
Drag Race is like the extension of a dressing room and you’re having a drink and we’re all in on the joke. But when the fans get involved, it does become bullying.
How’s your year been since you’ve been crowned?
It’s been amazing. Obviously Covid has got in the way but it hasn’t put a stop to everything. I’ve been able to work from home, do TV shows.
What’s the reaction of people in the street? More recognition?
Because of Covid, being at home for a year, I kind of forgot about the recognition, but now…
I was walking through town the other day and two older fellas saw us and went, ‘Can we get a picture?’
I thought they were taking the p*** but then they went, ‘We loved you on the show’ and I was, ‘Oh, sorry, I forgot!’ So we had to get round the new rule of selfies and stand two metres apart.
Staying at home must have been a relief in that you can let your eyebrows grow out.
I still shave my eyebrows off! The whole thing was great for the first month, because it felt like a holiday, but you get to the point where you just want to get back on stage. Thank God I’ve got my husband David and my dog Panda keeping me sane.
Has the look transformed over the past year?
My look is always changing but I’m getting to play a lot with costume now as I’ve lost about four stone in lockdown.
There’s nothing wrong with a bit of weight on someone but after Drag Race it just got to the point where I was looking at pictures and not recognising myself, so we’re on 1,700 calories a day. We’ve done zero exercise but just watch what we’re putting in our mouths.
The Vivienne showed off her weight loss in her music video for Bitch On Heels (Picture: Simon Jones PR)
The Vivienne made history by becoming the first winner of the UK version of Drag Race (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
So you have the show, the single…
And hopefully my solo show. It was a Christmas show and we paid for costumes and dancers and everything, so it’ll be a shame not to do that. And then there’s my solo Cher show…
Cher!
I’ve been a Cher impersonator for years. The show was supposed to be in November but we’re trying to reschedule.
It’ll be a full hour-and-a-half recreation of her last tour with dancers coming down from the ceiling and Bob Mackie replica outfits… all for my own enjoyment, obviously!
Drag Queens Of Pop is at Vaudeville Theatre, London, from May 17, nimaxtheatres.com. Single Bitch On Heels is out now.
Metro newspaper is still available for you to pick up every weekday morning or you can download our app for all your favourite news, features, puzzles... and the exclusive evening edition!
‘Wowww!’ my dad laughed enthusiastically, ‘that’s absolutely fantastic!’
I had just finished putting my mother in drag for the first time, and all three of us couldn’t believe our eyes.
My mum’s eyes glistened almost as bright as her highlight as she started to chuckle in disbelief and fluttered her larger-than-life false lashes.
I saw her widened smile turn into a ferocious pout as she grasped how I feel every time I’m in drag; this is its power.
The first drag show I ever saw was with my mum. In fact, she was the one who bought the tickets and asked me to come along.
I remember seeing her face light up when she saw the show in the newspaper, saying, ‘Finally! There’s a drag show next week, you wanna go?’.
I think she was waiting for me to turn 18; seeing me binge-watch and cry over RuPaul’s Drag Race for years probably influenced her desire to go, and she knew it would mean the world to me.
It was held at a small local bar, The Frog and Fiddle. They had regular shows and it had become a staple in the Gloucestershire drag scene. I walked into that place and had no idea what I was in for.
For years my mum watched me binge-watch RuPaul; she knew what drag meant to me (Picture: Jack Shute)
I never take my mum for granted; not many gay sons can say their mum bought them tickets for a drag show. I realised in that moment just how lucky I was.
It made complete sense to go with my mum, because she’s always known I was gay and it was through her that I learnt so much about the queer community and its rich history.
From Alan Turing to Lily Savage, my mum even introduced me to Priscilla, Queen of the Desert soon after I came out. There was no one else I’d rather be with at that moment.
We screamed, we sang, and we spun to every song as we swore it wouldn’t be the last show we attended together. The colourful performances were endless and I felt truly free and accepted for the first time in my life.
I remember dressing up as Snow White at the age of four; my mum consistently embraced my queerness ever since I began to express it. I knew this was the place for me.
After the show, we rushed to meet the host, Misty Monique. I directed several drunk and excited compliments towards her and my mum mentioned how much I’d love to be up on that stage.
That’s when Misty recommended entering the drag competition that summer. My heart dropped to my stomach – I never thought this would actually happen. Then I saw the excitement on my mum’s face and all my doubts flew away.
So I did! I created my drag persona before entering the Cheltenham-based drag competition, ‘Drag Wars’. This was the beginning of Ophelia Cox – a name I gave myself with the help of my mum, obviously. A campy, tongue-in-cheek name that fit my humour perfectly. We loved it instantly.
My drag persona, Ophelia Cox (Picture: Jack Shute)
I owe it to her for allowing me to become this fierce and unapologetic queen. She’s attended almost all my shows to date and never stops encouraging me to challenge myself. I call her my drag ‘mumager’ now.
My first time in drag was for the competition audition clip, and looking back I was a hot mess. But however unpolished I may have been, I felt like the most glamorous queen to grace the earth.
My mum almost cried when she saw me in full drag. ‘You look incredible!’ she said. ‘I’m so proud, I can’t believe you’ve done all this yourself.’ Only she was wrong, this was all her doing.
The competition came and I had the time of my life – the support from friends, family and strangers blew me away. To my surprise, I made it to the final a month later. I didn’t win but that was never the plan; I made my mum proud and that was my biggest prize.
Ever since I was a child, my mum has consistently embraced my queerness (Picture: Jack Shute)
A week after the final, in September 2018, I started my first day of university with a whole new level of confidence. A year later Ophelia was back, as I performed in a drag show at my very own campus bar.
I’ve always appreciated the art of drag, but nothing made me realise the power it can have until the first national lockdown last March. I was fortunate enough to be at home with my parents and I was looking forward to spending some quality time with them.
However, as the weeks and months went on, my mum and I started to feel pretty down and overall fed up. She worked constantly, and as a cleaner she counted as an essential worker. I could see she was losing herself and it hurt me to see her struggling.
We had just finished watching the first season of Rupaul’s Drag Race UK and one episode stood out in particular: a makeover challenge where the queen’s put their mothers in drag. She said to me, ‘Oh, I would absolutely love to do this, it looks so fun.’ I guess lockdown seemed like the perfect time.
I rely heavily on makeup and wigs, but fortunately for my mum she’s a natural beauty. She loves a bit of glam every now and then, but nothing compared to drag.
Shimmery lip gloss to a dark matte red lipstick and false lashes – she wasn’t ready for this. At least that’s what I thought…
After two hours of glam and wig testing, she was ready. I took my hands away from her eyes as she stared bewildered into her reflection; she saw a whole new woman.
It was amazing to see her so happy, her colour and buzz was back. ‘I’m Ivanka Cox!’ she said, my smile grew as she explained, ‘She’s fierce and a bit of a show off. The complete opposite of what I am.’ A diva already – my work was complete.
Drag brought a whole new confidence to my mum. Suddenly, she was a diva (Picture: Jack Shute)
Her newfound confidence lit a spark in her eyes and her smile grew when I suggested a photoshoot in the garden. It was the first time in a while that we were all enjoying something together and I was so proud at that moment. RuPaul isn’t wrong when he says drag brings families together.
My mum was a changed woman in the days after, she would sing around the house and smile every time we talked. She’s still riding the high of Ivanka Cox to this day. I’d never seen her so confident and our bond grew stronger than ever before. I’ve felt so much better since – and lockdown became a little less difficult.
It’s been hard being away from the colour and the laughter of the drag scene and I haven’t performed in months. I miss the buzz it gave me, but this experience was my best performance yet.
As a full-time student journalist, I don’t have a lot of time for drag nowadays as I’m focusing on my career. That being said, nothing will ever take Ophelia Cox away from me. I carry the strength she gives me everyday – that passion never dies.
My mum proved the power of drag to me. Try drag, experience drag, be a queen or king! You don’t know how much good it might bring to you.
We’ve already agreed to drag it up together as soon as we can get out there again. Who knows, maybe one day Ophelia and Ivanka will put on a show together and put all other double acts to shame. Watch this space!
RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under fans have grown increasing suspicious (Picture: BBC)
Drag Race Down Under fans have ignited a bizarre theory that RuPaul didn’t actually film the new series in person and instead recorded their scenes remotely on a green screen.
Viewers have been flooding the likes of Reddit and Twitter with their suspicions, citing ‘production quality’ as the cause of their doubts.
‘I feel like RuPaul isn’t actually there,’ one user wrote. ‘It could be the weird camera angles that are making me question him actually being there, but especially through the walkthrough, Ru usually goes around the room and talks to the queens.
‘We didn’t really see any shots of the queens and RuPaul during the snatch game. Does anyone agree or am I being delusional?’
Another user agreed, and added: ‘I think the quality of production is in question here. Everything just seems… off. And under budget.’
‘I thought it was just me! Something seems so weirdly off about the way they’re shooting this show compared to US/UK versions,’ a third said.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under is currently airing (Picture: BBC)
Eliminated queen Art Simone, who was the second contestant to bow out of the competition in episode two, has dispelled the hearsay.
‘Just here to quash the rumours that RuPaul was green-screened onto set,’ she penned on Twitter.
Just here to quash the rumours that RuPaul was green-screened onto set. Thereâs no way we would have the budget after we splurged on those beautiful cement cherubs ð¼
‘I was responding in the moment to how upset I was and the producer saying “but you were here” is almost as if they’d just patted me on the back to say “you tried”,’ she said.
‘When someone dies, you don’t go to their family member and say “well, they lived”. She was reminding me of what I lost.’
RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under airs Sundays on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page we’d love o hear from you.
Kita Mean has addressed calls for Michelle Visage and RuPaul to step down as judges (Picture: BBC)
RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under winner Kita Mean has shot down critics who want RuPaul and Michelle Visage to step down as judges should the show be renewed for as second series.
Kita was crowned champion of the first-ever Down Under edition over the weekend after beating fellow finalists Art Simone, Scarlet Adams and Karen From Finance to the $30,000 (£16,250) cash prize.
Since the season wrapped, some fans have been calling for Ru and Michelle to ‘retire and let other people judge’, savagely claiming they have ‘lost any joy’ in critiquing the drag queen contestants.
Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk, Kita said that both Ru and Michelle were paramount in contributing to her experience on Drag Race Down Under.
‘I don’t think so,’ Kita told us, in response to whether the Drag Race OGs should sashay away.
‘I had such a positive experience from it which was because of them [Ru and Michelle]. I would want whoever was going on to have that same experience. I would say no way!’
RuPaul and Michelle Visage judged the series alongside comedian Rhys Nicholson (Picture: BBC)
Sharing her love for the franchise, Kita said she wants to do Drag Race ‘every day of my life’.
‘I just wish it wasn’t over,’ she continued. ‘I just want to wake up at stupid o’clock in the morning and go and do RuPaul’s Drag Race and do the challenges and have the rollercoaster of emotions and go back to the hotel room and have my dinner.
‘I want to do it every day.’
Kita was crowned the first winner of Drag Race Down Under (Picture: BBC)
So there’s no surprise that Kita would jump at the chance if she was given the chance to make an appearance on the series again should it be renewed.
‘Honestly, I would just go and compete again,’ she enthused. ‘I just had so much fun that honestly if they just wanted me to come on and pick my nose I would do it.
‘Whatever they want me to do, I just want to be involved. I love it so much.’
As for her thoughts on a potential international All Stars?
‘I want it so badly,’ she beamed. ‘I think of any fantasy where I could just be back on RuPaul’s Drag Race, I just had so much fun.’
Drag Race Down Under is available to stream on BBC Three.
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
RuPaul is one of the star names attached to the comedy (Picture: Getty/Netflix)
The cast of new Netflix comedy Chicago Party Aunt has received a major boost after securing the talents of drag superstar RuPaul.
The 60-year-old will provide their vocal talents in the animated comedy, playing a salon owner in the upcoming series.
RuPaul is one of the names attached to the comedy, which is based on the popular Twitter account run by executive producer Chris Witaske.
Also signed up to the series if Superstore’s Lauren Ash and The Book of Mormon star Rory O’Malley. Lauren will provide the voice for main character Diane Dunbrowski.
The show follows Diane, who is described as ‘an ageing party girl with a heart of gold and a penchant for wine and 80s rock’. She lives by her mantra: ‘If life gives you lemons, turn that s**t into Mike’s Hard Lemonade.’
The series focuses on her time living with her nephew Daniel who keeps Diane company on his gap year.
RuPaul will provide the voice of a salon owner (Picture: BBC)
Jill Talley, Ike Barinholtz, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Katie Rich and Chris Witaske also make up the voice cast.
Netflix has ordered 16 episodes of Chicago Party Aunt. The first eight instalments will arrive on the platform on Friday, September 17.
After the news was confirmed, the Chicago Party Aunt account posted saying: ‘Holy s**t! Netflix just bought the rights to my life! Anybody have a password I can borrow?’
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
However, only one Black contestant, Vanity Milan, has been added to the bill, while River Medway is half Singaporean.
Sharing the love for the new queens, Tayce wrote: ‘Congrats to all the s3 S**GS!
‘I’m so proud to see so many familiar faces and excited to get to know the unfamiliar. With that being said, I’m a little taken aback [by] the lack of diversity that’s been casted, especially as I personally know so many incredible poc [people of colour], trans, and afab [assigned female at birth] performers (sic).
‘Hopefully things will improve and for now I wish nothing but the best for the s3 girls. You deserve all the love today, this is your moment LIVE IT UP hounds and f**k it up always.’
A spokesperson for BBC Three told Metro.co.uk in a statement: ‘Celebrating diversity is at the heart of Drag Race UK, and we welcome queens from all backgrounds.’
Tayce issued a statement on social media (Picture: Twitter/Its_Tayce)
Many have expressed their disappointment in the casting, with some calling for a new team to take charge if and when series four is announced.
‘This new Drag Race UK cast is looking very…. white,’ wrote one. ‘All the queens look great, but where’s the diversity?’
The TV Mindset added: ‘We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: British TV has a huge problem when it comes to LGBTQ+ intersectionality. This line-up proves that.’
Backlash aside, global drag icon RuPaul will preside over the show as the 12 queens compete over 10 weeks to be crowned the UK’s Next Drag Race Superstar.
Each week, the contestants face challenges that test their Drag Race prowess to the max, hoping that they have impressed Ru enough to avoid being one of the bottom two queens facing a lip sync for their life and elimination from the competition.
The series three announcement comes after two hugely successful series, with The Vivienne winning the first and Lawrence Chaney coming out on top last year.
So, who’s set to cinch the crown this time around? Only time will tell.
Metro.co.uk has contacted BBC Three for comment.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series 3 arrives in September on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Kathy Burke is on the Drag Race panel where she belongs (Picture: Empics Entertainment)
Linda La Hughes may not have made it to the Snatch Game yet (quite frankly appalling) but don’t worry, Kathy Burke is coming to the main stage.
The legendary comic has been announced as one of the extra special guest judges for the third series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
The 57-year-old will be sitting alongside RuPaul and Michelle Visage on an upcoming episode, and it seems she’s as excited to be on the show as we are to watch her on it.
The Gimme Gimme Gimme star said: ‘I’m a big Drag Race fan, so It was absolutely brilliant to meet RuPaul and Michelle Visage – and I loved the very-kind-to-old- ladies’ lighting.’
And when asked what her drag name would be, Kathy was suitably iconic – suggesting ‘Pam Demic’.
Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse – aka Afriqua Alaganza from the House of Alaganza – will also be sitting on the judges’ table this series, and said that her time on set was ‘surreal’.
Oti called the experience ‘surreal’ (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock for BAFTA)
Matt will be on the opening episode (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
The 30-year-old dancer said: ‘I’ve watched every episode since season 1 in the States, Canada, Down Under and I was excited to be on the UK one and meet the queens and work with them.
‘I adore them. They’re so funny, so talented but even more than that they are real and it’s beautiful to see them really come out of their shell.’
Great British Bake Off star Matt Lucas gets the all important job of being a guest judge on the opening episode, and said it was on his bucket list to be on the show.
He added: ‘But my years of wearing tights are behind me, so I was both relieved and delighted to be asked to be on the panel! I was hugely impressed by the brilliance and invention on the show, and it was one of the most entertaining days I’ve ever had.’
Saying he was a ‘very silly’ judge, the 47-year-old said of Drag Race UK: ‘It’s a celebration of something which is all too rarely celebrated elsewhere, so it has become pioneering, definitive, iconic television.’
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK returns next month (Picture: BBC)
Six more extra special guest judges have yet to be revealed.
They will be joining Mama Ru and Michelle on the panel, while Alan Carr and Graham Norton return as alternating judges.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Mike, an executive producer on Jeopardy!, had been hired to host the series, alongside The Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik, who will present primetime and spin-off specials of the quiz show.
However, just days after it emerged that Mike would be taking the helm, he stepped down from the role after disparaging comments he made about women, Jewish people and Haiti resurfaced.
For months, fans have been discussing who they would like to see as the new presenter, with many expressing support for LeVar Burton, who guest hosted this summer.
Another name that has cropped up is none other than RuPaul, who addressed Mike’s departure as host of Jeopardy! while guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Mike was set to host Jeopardy!, with Mayim presenting primetime and spin-off specials (Picture: Getty)
Could RuPaul be in with a chance? (Picture: Jimmy Kimmel Live!/ABC)
During a segment titled ‘Gayer News’, the head judge of RuPaul’s Drag Race explained to the audience that ‘Jeopardy! is still seeking a new host after producer Mike Richards stepped away from the job last week’.
‘Sources say the show is now looking for someone with poise, authority and natural intelligence. In Gayer News… I’m right here bitch!’ RuPaul said.
The audience in the studio applauded RuPaul’s suggestion, with several people on Twitter also expressing their view that the drag queen would make a brilliant replacement on the quiz show.
‘I vote RuPaul for Jeopardy host.#Jeopardy #RuPaul,’ one person tweeted recently.
‘Serious question. Why wasn’t @RuPaul given a shot at guest hosting @Jeopardy?’ someone else said.
So could RuPaul end up sashaying his way to Jeopardy?
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs on ABC in the US.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
The queens of series 3 are on their way! (Picture: BBC)
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK fans better start their engines very soon as the release date for series 3 has just been announced.
The new queens will grace our screens on September 25, with the new series streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK at 7pm.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world can catch up on Wow Presents Plus.
The new series looks just as fabulous as the past two, with 12 new queens – including the first female queen in Drag Race herstory – set to battle it out.
Victoria Scone, who is the first ever cisgender woman to compete on the series, explained that some people refer to her as an ‘AFAB queen’ – meaning ‘assigned female at birth’ – but she prefers to just call herself a drag queen.
The 27-year-old, who hails from Cardiff, added: ‘It feels right! I definitely didn’t invent the art of drag for women. I am not the first and I certainly won’t be the last….
‘We don’t describe cis male drag queens as AMAB queens, so, as a handy tip, I’d just call us all drag queens or drag artists, and, if you must know, I identify as a Tony Award!’
She will feature alongside the likes of Veronica Green, who was forced to exit series two early due to contracting Covid-19.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of iconic celeb judges on their way, including the likes of Kathy Burke and Charity Shop Sue.
Bring it on!
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK begins on BBC iPlayer on September 25 at 7pm.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
RuPaul has officially made Emmys herstory (Picture: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
RuPaul’s fabulous reign continues after the icon made Emmys history by breaking the record for most wins by a Black artist.
The 73rd Emmy Awards on Sunday night saw the drag icon’s hit reality show, RuPaul’s Drag Race bag the gong for RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The 60-year-old snagged his 11th win as executive producer of the show, which beat out competition from Nailed It!, Top Chef, The Voice, and The Amazing Race.
In his moving speech, he stated: ‘Thanks to all of our lovely children on our show, from around the world.
‘They are so gracious to tell their stories of courage and how to navigate this difficult life, even more difficult today. This is for you.’
Ru, who accepted the award on stage alongside Michelle Visage and Drag Race season 13 queens Symone and Gottmik, continued: ‘For you kids out there watching, you have a tribe that is waiting for you. We are waiting for you, baby. Come home to Mama Ru!’
Condragulations are in order as the Drag icon celebrated with Michelle Visage, and S12 finalists Gottmik and Symone (Picture: Rich Fury/Getty Images)
The TV star has already picked up dual trophies at the Creative Arts Emmys earlier this month, while RuPaul’s Drag Race Untucked won outstanding unstructured reality program on Sunday night.
However, fans were delighted by the victory and flocked to Twitter to celebrate the ground-breaking achievement.
Hosted by comedian and actor Cedric the Entertainer, the Emmy Awards saw the stars come together in Los Angeles to celebrate the best of TV.
The awards ceremony had been held at The Microsoft Theatre since 2008 but the event was took place in a tent in downtown this year, while 2020’s ceremony was held virtually due to coronavirus restrictions.
September 19 marked the return of in-person attendance, however, the socially distance seating plan meant that only 500 guests attended compared to the several thousand in previous years.
Fully vaccinated attendants had to follow strict Covid-19 protocols throughout the ceremony, including testing and wearing a mask when they were not on camera.
Emmy Awards 2021 winners list
Outstanding Drama Series - The Crown (Netflix)
Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Olivia Colman, The Crown
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Gillian Anderson, The Crown
Lead Actor in a Drama Series - Josh O'Connor, The Crown
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Tobias Menzies
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series - The Queen's Gambit (Netflix)
Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie - Kate Winslet, Mare of Easttown
Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie - Ewan McGregor, Halston
Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie - Julianne Nicholson, Mare Of Easttown
Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie - Evan Peters, Mare Of Easttown
Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series - Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You
Outstanding Comedy Series - Ted Lasso (Apple Plus TV)
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series - Jean Smart, Hacks
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso
Outstanding Competition Program - RuPaul's Drag Race
Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program -
Outstanding Variety Special Pre-recorded - Hamilton
Outstanding Variety Special (Live) - Stephen Colbert’s Election Night 2020: Democracy’s Last Stand Building Back America Great Again Better 2020
Outstanding Variety Talk Series - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Outstanding Variety Sketch Series - Saturday Night Live
Governors Award – Debbie Allen
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
