Right, is everyone ready for me to fangirl for the U.K. – once again? It’s that time of year, and we’re back in the U.K., with the opening credits including a well-made montage edit of all the seasons thus far, starting way back in 2019! It’s crazy to think how many iconic scenes have played out over the years, with famous lines from each season such as “A red wig and silver dress? I don’t think.” to “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful, hate me because I’m an immigrant.” Each winner is also highlighted, and everyone gets their flowers as they should. As always, I advocate that the U.K. drag scene is so talented and this episode has perfectly displayed it and packaged the humour and style in 90 minutes.
Another note is that this cast might be the strongest of the U.K. franchise to date, with the best blend of camp, cabaret, and the first queen out is Rileasa Slaves, all the way from London representing her St Lucia roots. Charra Tea from Northern Ireland, is a colourful whirlwind who is inspired by every UK child’s idol, Neil Buchann of TV fame Art Attack. Say Mabuhay to the Filipino diva Zahirah Zapanta, who is dressed in a gorgeous outfit and is a ball of energy rolling all over the floor.
Out in a chic skirt suit is the Scottish queen from the Isle of Brute, Channel O’ Conor, and confusing the queens is Actavia, who speaks Welsh—a rarity to hear. Out next is the icon of all icons in the UK, and that is La Voix, a legend who looks every bit the glamorous diva she is in a stoned gown. Which is in stark contrast to Kryan Thrax in bin bag couture sipping on her bin juice; it’s a refined look for me—it’s the type of drag I adore. Next, we have the burlesque Welsh queen Marmalade, who is dressed to the nines with legs up to heaven. Speaking of heaven out is Saki Yew in a pink bow dress, a queen after my own heart.
Don’t be spooked by the next diva, Lill, who is part of the Family Gorgeous in the heart of Manchester. Her aesthetic is gothic and reminiscent of a Victorian ghost child, which I absolutely love. A London queen, Kiki Snatch, has arrived to the relief of Rileasa; the two know each other well, and you just know these two are going to be the ones to watch in terms of dancing. Finally last but not least is Dita Garbo, who is back from a hiatus of 27 years of drag, proudly declaring herself the oldest queen to appear on Drag Race UK. Although 48 isn’t exactly old, is it?
We have got such a good blend of queens this season than we did prior to season one—a cast that is ready to make history with this season. Ru enters the room with some very exciting news—for the first time in UK Drag Race herstory – there will be a cash prize up for grabs. Finally, the time has come for these queens to get rewarded for their hard work; the now beloved Rupeter badges will still be available, but so will a lovely £25,000 prize! Shock and excitement fill the air, with several dropping to the ground in shock—it will most definitely raise the stakes higher than ever before.
The first maxi challenge is a cabaret show fit for a queen, which is a big aspect of the drag scene. Who doesn’t love a Cabaret talent show? To make it short, as it was impossible to pick out a standout performer. La Voix nailed her 90-second introduction to everyone. A song about herself, throwing in some impressions of Shirley Bassey and Judy Garland. Flip to Lill, who played out a comedy show nightmare of having 90 seconds to prepare for a drag show while painting herself like a clown.
Kiki Snatch surprised everyone by not dancing and choosing to instead sing, which was beautiful. It was a clever move—to never let people know your next move. Kyran Thrax is my kind of drag; it’s quirky and conceptual but strange—a comedy piece involving waiting tables in a restaurant with her eccentric daughter attached to her. That’s the best way to explain it, but it worked well, and it got Rupaul laughing. To which she always looks like she is having the best time watching the weird and wonderful before her.
Back in the werkrrom, the queens unpack and get to one another. Saki Yew and Zahirah Zapanta discuss being Filipino in the U.K., and as you know, I love the Drag Race Philippines and Thailand franchise. Drag Race Philippines (which you can read here), which is proof of what you could be missing out on. It’s also horrible how people will call them the wrong names as they assume they all look the same. The racism is ridiculous. To be that naïve and uneducated, I’m glad they get to have this conversation that will be resonating with many wonderful Asian artists up and down the country.
The fan favourite, and back by popular demand, is the Category: Queen of your hometown. This week’s guest judge is musician Alison Goldfrapp; out first is Chanel ‘O’Connor, who is representing the Scottish Highlands. Lill appears as a long-lost Gallagher sister, revealing a 90’s acid house rave-inspired eye-blinding outfit that is both vibrant and bonkers. Zahirah Zapanta is dressed in a stunning gown that pays homage to the First Lady of the Philippines; she also displays both her hometowns, with the Philippine flag on one side and the U.K. flag on the other. Saki Yew emerges as a queen honey bee (oh honey). Rileasa is right when she mentioned on her entrance that she gets mistaken for Rhianna—she is absolutely stunning.
Immunity has returned and is a first for the U.K. divas; whoever wins will be spared from elimination next week. Speaking of which, Ru wants to continue getting to know everyone for another week, so no one will be leaving. Which is perfect, as I can see that this cast is going to be one for the books. The remaining six on stage are the tops: Kiki Snatch, La Voix, Lil, Kryan Thrax, Rileasa Slaves, and Actavia.
The top two are La Voix and Kyran Thrax—two polar opposites of drag in the U.K. One is camp and cabaret, and the other is kooky and quirky; during Untucked, they talked about dancing around their handbags. So this will be fun; they’ll be lipsyncing to Oh La La by Goldfrapp. Broom in hand, Kyran sweeps the stage and makes good use of the prop to her advantage. She’s an icon and has won the first lip sync and Rupeter badge! Not only that, but she’ll be immune from elimination next week! Well, that was one hell of an opening episode. Showing once again that Drag Race U.K. is far from drying up, and if anything, it’s as fresh as it was six years ago!
What did you think, who’s your favourite so far?
Tune in: New episodes of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” air every Thursday at 3pm ET / 12pm PT in the US and in select territories exclusively on WOW Presents Plus, day-and-date with its local airing on BBC3 in the UK.
