RuPaul’s Drag Race UK queen breaks silence on surprise exit
We didn't see that coming.
The latest queen to exit RuPaul’s Drag Race UK‘s series four has opened up about why she chose to leave herself.
25-year-old London queen Baby is the fifth queen to leave Drag Race UK series four. She found herself in the bottom two alongside Dakota Schiffer following the ‘Lairy Poppins’ Ru-sical challenge.
After the lip sync to ‘No Way’ from SIX: The Musical the queen raised her hand and told RuPaul she was going home.
“I’m extremely grateful for being here but I think, I need to go home and take care of myself.”
Mama Ru told Baby she respected her decision adding, “I love you. We all love you. Take care of yourself and remember what I told you. Now, Sashay Away.”
From the beginning of the episode, Baby appeared to struggled with her confidence and mental health following last week’s improvisation challenge. Early on, she discussed being in her head.
“I want to get better but I’m starting to doubt myself a little bit,” she said during one confessional.
“I’m aware of that and I’m trying to keep myself up,” the London drag queen added.
Responding to the judges after the challenge Baby revealed: “I have anxiety and I’ve been trying to dig myself out of that feeling but I’ve been having a tough time.
“I know that I’m capable of doing this and it’s so annoying.”
In Untucked the queen admitted she had been afraid that she’d get in her own way. She also shared with her sisters that she had been having a tough time.
In a post-exit interview with the BBC, Baby elaborated on her exit.
“Believe me, it wasn’t an easy decision. I don’t really like to quit or give up, but at that time, I knew it was the best decision for me.
“I was struggling with my anxiety, and I know I needed to prioritise my wellbeing, and the best way to do that was to leave the competition but I’m so proud I was able to have the opportunity to show my art and my heart.”
After the show aired, fans expressed support for the London queen.
One person wrote: “i’m so proud of Baby for recognising her mental health and putting herself first.”
Among Baby’s highlights from the series was having her idol, FKA twigs, tell her she’s a natural performer.
“I will put that on a T-shirt, wear it and sell that forever! She is my inspiration and I think she’s a pioneer in her field so that was an amazing experience for me.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK continues on BBC Three and the Player every Thursday from 9pm.