“What we’ve done is bring it back to drag.”
The Vivienne says Drag Race UK relies less on “shock value or feuds” in comparison to the American original.
We spoke with each contestant of the highly-anticipated British spin-off for a world exclusive interview and photoshoot, and they spilt the T on their drag journey and what we can expect from this British invasion.
When we asked The Vivienne how it differs to its US counterpart, she explained: “I like to think what we’ve done is bring it back to drag. Instead of relying on shock value or feuds, this is pure talent and I really think it shines through.”
She added: “It’s more fun. A lot of drag these days is looking like a supermodel and that’s it – why can’t you look like a supermodel and be hilarious? We’re doing this to entertain people.
“You can go look like a model if you want, that’s fine, but for me, drag is entertainment.”
The 27-year-old said she auditioned for the series because she wants to shatter misconceptions people have of her, that she’s solely a “lewk queen” who can only serve – like acclaimed singer-songwriter Bebe Zahara Benet once said – “face, face, face”.
The Vivienne – who is the UK ambassador for RuPaul’s Drag Race – assured us that we’ll see a diverse, multi-faceted side to her on the show and promised comedy, glamour and vocals. She’s the total package honey!
Drag Race UK is set to premiere 3 October on BBC Three and iPlayer. The Vivienne will be joined by Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, Chrystal, Divina De Campo, Gothy Kendoll, Scaredy Kat, Sum Ting Wong and Vinegar Strokes.
RuPaul will return as host and main judge alongside best squirrel friend Michelle Visage, as well as newcomers Alan Carr and Graham Norton, who will rotate every episode like Ross Matthews and Carsson Kressley on the American original.
It will feature a star-studded line-up of celebrity guests such as Lorraine Kelly, Stacey Dooley, Cheryl, Maisie Williams, Geri Halliwell, Andrew Garfield, Michaela Coel, Jade Thirwall, Twiggy, MNEK, Curtis Pritchard and AJ Pritchard.
Read our exclusive interviews with all ten fierce queens of the British spin-off here.
Related: This is the rumoured cast for RuPaul’s Drag Race season 12.
Related: This is the rumoured cast for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 5.
Related: It’s here! Watch the first teaser trailer for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
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