Just like that RuPaul’s Drag Race UK has entered its fifth season, the franchise has seen iconic moments, twists, and turns. This season looks set to be another one for the books, as a new set of queens arrive to kickstart the series. Out first is Tomara Thomas, loud and electric commanding attention. Manchester’s very own Banksie arrives, standing tall and decked in barely anything.
Pageant beauty arrives in the form of Miss Naomi Carter. Having three northern queens from the beginning will have audiences outside the UK switching their subtitles on. Speaking of northern out decked in gold is Michael Marouli, and here to camp up the room is comedy queen Kate Butch. A renowned queen for her sense of humor and straight away showcases her persona. Stand down for the standout that is Cara Melle, a well-known queen in the UK scene, not only stunning but an incredible lipsyncer.
Orange you glad to see her it’s Ginger Johnson, an all round classic British drag queen. The milf of drag has arrived to meet DeDeliciouis, not only a comedy queen but from a very well-known drag family. Her sister you may recognize as Krystal Versace winner of Rupauls Drag Race season 3. The first Cornwall queen of the UK Vicki Vivacious accompanied by a Cornwall classic – The Cornish pasty. A delectable traditional snack from down south. Last but not least is the stunning Alexis- Saint Pete , the first Polish queen on the UK show.
With the queen’s aquatinted Rupaul comes out to not only say hello but to let them know the challenge of this episode. We’re having a ball, not only have the queens already been judged on their entrance look, but will be judged by a set of internationally jet-setter special guests. The second look is up in the club, in which said judges will be judging their first impressions.
This is a UK first, it’s a fresh new concept that hasn’t been on the show yet, and the hometown look has been scrapped. In its wake is a fun, playful concept to enjoy the premiere, to judge and rate the catwalk is a special set of guests. Here to judge are Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Sminty Drop, Blu Hydrangea, Lady Camden, Nicky Doll, Jimbo, and Pangina Heels. A great mix of personalities to amp up the fun, everyone does a great job displaying their personas on the runway.
Finally, they’re to strut it out on the runway at Club Tickety-Boo, yes Ru has learned a new word so get ready to have it engrained all season. Judges will score on look and presentation, everyone does a fabulous job. Tomara starts the club night on high showing just what she can do on a catwalk. As expected Cara Melle shows everyone just why she won many lipsync competitions. Michael Marouli splits and tricks across the walk being labelled lovingly by Lady Camden as the fun aunt in Ibiza with her girls. Poor DeDeliciouis sends wigs flying – literally, ever so slowly we see the wig slipping and gripping for dear life. Until it leaves the chat, it’s an entertaining ball, and everyone has a ball.
The first main stage maxi challenge, and here to help judge the third and final runway is the icon supermodel Kristen McMenamy. A fun addition who playfully teases Ru on being friends when she was a nobody back in the 80s. The final look of the episode is here, and the category is Fierce Impressions Eleganza Extravaganza. The cast did just that, making strong bold choices that left impressive impressions. The standouts are Cara Melle, Vicki Vivacious, and Kate Butch who camps it up on roller skates, to the clear disdain of Michelle Visage.
With a twist no one will be going home, Ru wants to get to know everyone more. We have five top queens who stood out for Ru tonight. Lip Syncing for the win are Cara Melle and Vicki Vivacious who will lip sync to an absolute 90’s party song Ooh Aah….Just a Little Bit by Gina G. The queens in the background are living their best life too lipsyncing along. It’s a photo finish that both steals the attention and commands the floor. The winner is Vicki Vivacious who wins her first prestigious Blue Peter badge.
What I loved about this premier episode is that RuPaul’s Drag Race UK has the ability to highlight classic British drag while also making it fresh, engaging, and exciting to watch. This season has a batch of bold characters that are sure to make this season another success.
So what did you think of this season’s first episode?