A UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race is officially coming to BBC Three in 2019
It's finally happening.
By Will Stroude
Words: Will Stroude
The news we thought would never come is finally here: A UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race is officially happening!
An eight-part series featuring the best of Britain’s drag talent is set to air on BBC Three in 2019, the channel confirmed on Wednesday (6 December).
A source told The Sun that Drag Race UK “will follow the exact same format as the American version, with British twists and some famous guests.”
The insider went on: “It will be filmed in London and casting directors will be searching for the best drag artists Britain has to offer – there’ll be a huge budget for costumes and production and bosses are hoping that a star is born.
Start your engines, @RuPaul‘s Drag Race UK is coming soon to BBC Three. pic.twitter.com/7DkmvyFEd5
— BBC Three (@bbcthree) December 5, 2018
“It’s really exciting for everyone involved and is expected to draw a lot of new fans to the franchise.
“RuPaul has a cult following so it’s massive news.”
RuPaul, who won consecutive Emmy Awards in 2017 and 2018 for his work hosting the US version of the show, said in a statement: “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.”
News of a British Drag Race comes as the original US show continues to grow in popularity across the globe.
A Christmas special – RuPaul’s Holi-Slay Spectacular – and a fourth edition of All Stars are both set to air in the coming weeks on VH1 in the US and Comedy Central in the UK, while the first international edition of the show, Drag Race Thailand, crowned its inaugurual winner earlier this year.
An eleventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race is set to air in early 2019, ten years after the show first began airing in 2009.
Of course, the question on everybody’s (heavily glossed) lips is now which British queens will be competiting for the crown (jewels). The good news is that it doesn’t look we’ll have to wait long to find out…
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ is expected to air on BBC Three in 2019.