Culture

“I’m heartbroken”: Fans react to Drag Race UK season 5 first elimination

By Alice Morey

6th October 2023

The first elimination on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season five has provoked an emotional response.

Spoilers ahead.

The second episode aired on screens as the queens took on the legendary design challenge, where they were tasked with creating an outfit made from pet store items.

Who better to offer advice on such a challenge than esteemed British Vogue Editor-in-Chief and European Editorial Director of Vogue, Edward Enninful, making a cameo appearance alongside Ru Enninful (rightfully named after mother herself)?

On the panel were regulars Michelle Visage, Graham Norton and guest judge Yasmin Finney (Heartstopper).

Despite the best efforts of the entire group, RuPaul said of Alexis Saint-Pete’s runway look: “The neckline is a little wonky and the hemline is a little bit questionable.”

Whilst, Miss Naomi Carter’s unfinished look was met by a mixed reception. Yet, Finney said of her design: “Wow, I am just in awe of those braids. I’m sending a picture to my hairstylist tomorrow and that will be a look on my next red carpet.”

The lip-sync duel was confirmed to be between Naomi and Alexis to ‘Hot In It’’ by Tiesto and Charli XCX. At the end of the battle, Ru made her decision and told Alexis: “Say it loud – you made Poland proud! Now sashay away.”

Following her elimination, Alexis said: “I didn’t want to go home first. I wanted to show so much more. But I’m walking away as a winner already in my heart. I’m so happy to be here in my new homeland and I hope to come back stronger than ever.”

In her parting mirror message to her fellow queens, she wrote: “Always believe in yourself, love you so much! Alexis Saint-Pete.”

Alexis spoke of her legacy in the competition and the importance to have “shone a light on what needs to change in Poland.

“I’ve received so much love from the Polish community in the UK, and so many people from the Polish LGBTQ+ community have reached out to me. I’m just so proud that I was the first Polish queen to be on Drag Race UK.”

She described her experience on the show as “unforgettable” and a reminder in life to not “take everything so seriously and believe” in herself.

In the aftermath of the screening of the episode Alexis tweeted her thanks for the support: “​​Thank you for all the messages and support on todays episode, sorry I didn’t get back to anyone yet I just need a minute…

“I’m currently getting a flight to Poland to then go straight to live interview so I need a little rest before that. Love you all so much.”

The decision to eliminate Alexis was met with sadness. One fan said: “I love you so much. I’m heartbroken to see you go. You were my winner! You are amazing and can’t wait to see what you do.”

Another fan commented: “I have never disagreed with RuPaul’s judging of a challenge AND lip sync more. That was ridiculous.”

One Alexis fan expressed: “She’s gonna be an all star. I deadass thought you were going to be top 4. I’m shook.”

Check out the response to the episode from Twitter below.

The remaining nine queens continue to battle it out to be crowned the UK’s Next Drag Superstar, and next week sees the hotly anticipated girl band challenge.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK returns to screens Thursday 12 October from 9pm on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.