This one change to Drag Race UK has made the show so much better

10th October 2019

The US seasons can learn from this.

After years of anticipation, last week saw the long-awaited premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, introducing the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of ten “gobshite” drag performers from Britain.

So far, the show has made its mothertucking mark on social media, particularly because of the contestants’ crass British sense of humour, the sickening Queen Elizabeth-inspired runways and the differences from the US original.

One major difference that we love – and personally think has benefitted the series – is the werkroom T between the queens while the judges deliberate, which replaces the show’s Xtra Factor-esque spin-off titled Untucked.

Throughout the years, we’ve been blessed with some of Drag Race’s most iconic moments from the spin-off, such as Laganja Estranja’s meltdown, Willam and Phi Phi’s showdown and Aja’s Linda Evangelista-inspired rant.

Normally, fans have difficulties accessing Untucked due to licensing and ultimately check out the episodes on websites in low quality (if they can find them at all). It’s a shame because sometimes these moments can influence the course of the main show and fans don’t have easy access to it, especially those who don’t reside in the United States.

Because Drag Race UK is on the BBC, the show’s producers have been forced to air the backstage drama between the contestants on the main show so now, like you’ve seen on this week’s episode, we get to see a bit more of the storyline.

What do you think? Do you like the change? Or do you prefer the old format?

Drag Race UK airs every Thursday on BBC Three. The first two episodes are now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

RuPaul returns as host and main judge alongside best squirrel friend Michelle Visage, as well as newcomers Alan and Graham Norton, who rotate every episode like Ross Matthews and Carsson Kressley on the American original.

The queens competing for the title of the UK’s First Drag Superstar are as follows: Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, Crystal, Divina De Campo, Gothy Kendoll, Scaredy Kat, Sum Ting Wong, Vinegar Strokes and The Vivienne.

The series features 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 here and get your jush with the official trailer for Drag Race UK below.