Winner of Drag Race UK vs The World series 3 reveals they are a millionaire: ‘I’m rich’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Speaking to Attitude, the winner of Drag Race UK vs The World reveals how the franchise has changed her life
By Aaron Sugg
Drag Race UK vs The World Series 3 has crowned its winner, a queen whose journey to the “mother-tucking world” title began with a panic attack even before filming started.
Our Thailand queen, Gawdland, took home £50,000 in prize money as RuPaul named them the winner of the global franchise, making her the first Thai queen to claim the coveted title of Queen of the Mother-Tucking World.
Speaking exclusively to Attitude after their win, Gawdland revealed that, at just 24-years-old, they are now a millionaire in Thai currency, a celebratory milestone following a turbulent childhood.
Despite being unapologetically themselves throughout the season, Gawdland had to fight hard to reach this moment, proving that generosity and authenticity reigns supreme.
What were you most nervous about coming to the UK for the first time?
It was so cold! I didn’t expect it to be this cold. It was freezing. But I really enjoyed the filming period with my girls, with the team, with RuPaul, with Michelle Visage, with all the judges, with all the challenges, and all the runways. I think it was the best time of my life to represent and showcase my ability in such a short amount of time. We filmed for one month, doing it all back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back, and then… boom.
I was so nervous before flying to the UK. I even had a mental breakdown at the airport and on the aeroplane. But after I landed in London, I left it all behind, and this is a new me. I’m going to prove to the world why I have to be the Queen of the Mother-Tucking World. And I did it.
What was your mental breakdown about?
It was all about the stress I had been keeping in my unconscious mind. I had to bury it down, and then it burst out one day before flying to the UK. People cry – everybody has to cry to release the stress in their mind. It’s all a hormonal thing. And actually, I was a new person when I landed in London.
Was there anyone who surprised you out of your sisters, maybe someone you thought made it further than you thought they would?
Melinda Verga. I didn’t think she was going to come back for the All-Stars season, but she accepted. I was so starstruck because she’s an icon, she’s the icon. Melinda Verga, the real winner of Drag Race UK vs The World Season 3. That queen is delusional, am I right?
On Drag Race UK vs The World you were unapologetically yourself, have you always been that hilarious growing up in Thailand?
No, I’m not funny in Thai. Even my friends were so surprised that I’m funny in English, because that’s a new language for me. It’s my new personality, my new life, my new persona. So yeah, in Thailand, I’m not a funny bitch, I’m not known as the funny bitch. But when I’m abroad, or have to speak English, it turns out I am funny. And I’m glad, glad that everyone loves it.
What were you like growing up?
My childhood was… very traumatic, actually. I wasn’t quite accepted by my family, and I had to fight for everything I needed on my own. Drag has always been one of my biggest inspirations to keep going, to be a better person, to aim high, to dream big, to live life to the fullest, to be my fantasy. Thank you, drag, you saved my life.
You sparked a budding friendship with Sminty Drop and Zahirah, what was it about each other that you gravitated towards?
Because of the girl group, I think. Being in the girl group lets us share our sisterhood more closely than in any other challenge. Having them on my team feels so surreal because I love them so much and they’re so cute to me. They’re always supporting me, always rooting for me. Even on company calls with the producers at Wow Presents Plus and the BBC, they always secure my window.
Who’s one queen you didn’t click so well with?
I don’t think I have one.
You and Fontana butted heads earlier on in the competition, why do you think that was?
It’s just for the television. Are you trying to stir shit? You want the headline? You want the headline? “Gawdland said she hates Fontana in real life.” No. I just want to say that even the fight on the show was real. In that moment, we were fighting, it was real. It was a genuine feeling that we both felt. But after that, we knew this is what we signed up for. We needed to make television. We needed to fight. If you’re silent, no one is going to watch you. So we had to give something, a little material for them. And we did so well, we have TV personalities.
Who was the robbed queen of the season?
Sminty. I wanted her to stand top two with me, period.
Do you blame Kate Butch?
I feel sad, and I feel like she deserved the spot. I was so mad at Kate when she didn’t save Sminty. In the UK, you better save each other, but she didn’t. But also, this is what we signed up for, and Kate is playing the game.
Do you girls have a group chat? Is everyone in it?
Yes, on WhatsApp.
Who’s the most active?
I think Zahirah, Mariah, Melinda, Kate Butch. I’m the quiet one, though. Me and Minty Fresh. Oh, and sometimes Sminty is also the active one.
What does the prize money mean to you?
I’m a millionaire right now, in Thai currency. So I’m rich, rich, rich, rich. I could even buy you a house. Want a house in Thailand? I can buy you one. I’m going to buy you a house, a car, a Tesla with a driver, a motorcycle, and even a horse. I think I’ll have to hire a financial advisor because I don’t want to spend it all.
What do you plan to do with the money?
I’m going to invest. I’m going to invest in Bitcoin. I’m going to invest in stocks. I’m going to invest in… The Magnificent Seven from the USA, Bitcoin and gold at the start value.
What’s your message to your younger self?
I just want to say to my younger self: you are brave, you are strong, you are capable. Don’t let anyone make you feel down. You are worth it. You are incredible. And one day, you’re going to be the winner of Drag Race UK vs The World.
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