Vinegar Strokes on why she’s the “most relatable” contestant on Drag Race UK

22nd August 2019

BBC Three

“My drag is very working class, a diva wearing a sequin dress with rollers in her hair.”

According to Vinegar Strokes, she’s the most relatable queen on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

I n our exclusive interview and photoshoot with the contestants of the British spin-off, the actress and vocalist described herself as a mixture between Sandra Martin from Gogglebox and a character from Eastenders.

“My drag is very working class, a diva wearing a sequin dress with rollers in her hair while smoking a fag,” she joked.

“I want to show people who aren’t privileged, who come from a place where it’s not easy to get ahead. I’ve had to go through the backdoor many times and I represent someone who is still going through it.”

Vinegar said that she’s not the most impressive queen when it comes to the runway, but admitted: “I’m probably one of the most genuine and relatable contestants on the show.”

While sickening outfits and mugs beat for the gods might be a priority for other queens, Vinegar believes that raw talent and passion are the most important qualities in a performer.

“I’d much rather see someone sweating their tits off in an ASOS dress, giving amazing vocals, amazing comedy, as opposed to watching someone kind of have a wank on stage,” she explained.

But don’t expect to see Vinegar attempt a Silky Nutmeg Ganache-esque splat on the floor anytime soon. “I’m a camp comedy queen, I’m not death-dropping for no one, no no.”

Vinegar also promised “iconic” moments for fans on Drag Race UK – especially the lip-syncs – and said audiences will be educated on British drag and what British queens represent.

She added: “With Baga, you’re getting old school, traditional pubs and clubs drag and Divina, you’re getting operatic, singing songbird, and with me, the acting and theatrical side.”

Drag Race UK is set to premiere 3 October on BBC Three and iPlayer. Vinegar will be joined by Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, Crystal, Divina De Campo, Gothy Kendoll, Scaredy Kat, Sum Ting Wong and The Vivienne.

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.