Shocking eliminations have become a part of RuPaul’s Drag Race, but just when we didn’t think we could be surprised again, Baby shocked fans worldwide when on the most recent episode of Drag Race UK, they eliminated themselves after a challenging week. After receiving acclaim from both her fellow Drag Race sisters and fans alike, Baby sat down with me to chat about their Drag Race experience, a pinch me moment with FKA twigs, and where Baby’s happy place truly is.
Michael Cook: Tell us about your Drag Race UK journey?
Baby: My time on Drag Race UK was an incredible opportunity to showcase me! The moment I walked in to that Werk Room, I gave it everything I had! No one puts Baby in a corner, obviously! It was fun and hard all at the same time, I got to showcase some looks that I’m really proud of, and I made some great friendships along the way.
I loved my fellow sisters, it really does become a sisterhood. They really are all so lovely and talented. Having the opportunity to work alongside so many people with such a high standard of drag really made me want to step up and I’ve definitely taken new learnings forward into my drag now. I look even better!
MC: What are your Drag Race UK highlights?
B: My number one highlight was having FKA twigs tell me that I’m a natural performer. I will put that on a T-shirt, wear it and sell that forever! She is my inspiration and I think she’s a pioneer in her field so that was an amazing experience for me. It was also great to showcase my cultural identity, with my Rastamouse BBC runway look, and my “Ru Are Ya“ runway look, which I’m especially proud of, as it really speaks of my North London roots. It was a loving homage to my nan, my sister, cousins and aunts, who I always wanted to dress like when I was a kid! I loved working with Dakota on our design challenge, and all the praise we got was IN-credible! Leomie Anderson said it was supermodel serve! And also, Alison Hammond said she loved my dreadlocks for my “mane category runway look”– that meant a lot to me as my boyfriend and I spent hours building and braiding that outfit!
I’ve had so much love, it’s been a bit overwhelming, and I’ve also heard on the grapevine that news of my journey on Drag Race UK has reached Jamaica, where they’re all rooting for me! I’m second generation Jamaican immigrant, but I’ve never visited Jamaica so that’s pretty amazing to hear.
MC: Why did you choose to leave?
B: Believe me, it wasn’t an easy decision. I don’t really like to quit or give up, but at that time, I knew it was the best decision for me. I was struggling with my anxiety, and I know I needed to prioritize my wellbeing, and the best way to do that was to leave the competition; but I’m so proud I was able to have the opportunity to show my art and my heart.
MC: Where’s Baby’s happy place?
B: When I’m at home chilling. I’m quite an introvert really – no really, I am! I’m not unsociable, but I work hard. Sometimes I’m gigging every night of the week and flitting between fashion shoots and fittings during the day – she’s busy! But, I know my boundaries, so when I finish a gig, I love to jump in a cab and get home.
MC: What’s next for Baby?
B: I love music and I just want to perform! I’ve been singing and dancing since I was eight. I’m a stage school kid, who went on to The BRIT School – remember, I have a degree in song writing! Songwriting is very much an outlet for my feelings, so I’ve written a song called ‘Theatre‘ – it’s a personal song about me, and it’s out today!
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