List of RuPaul's Drag Race UK episodes

The first series released from 3 October 2019 to 29 November 2019 in the United Kingdom on the streaming service BBC Three. Internationally the programme was released on WOW Presents Plus.[1][2] Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, Crystal, Divina de Campo, Gothy Kendoll, Scaredy Kat, Sum Ting Wong, Vinegar Strokes and The Vivienne were revealed as the Queens competing on 21 August 2019.[3] The first series introduces the concept of RuPaul's Drag Race UK where RuPaul searches for the "UK's next drag superstar." RuPaul plays several roles on the show including host, mentor and head judge for the series, as the contestants are given different challenges to participate in each week. The show also employs panel of judges: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton.[4]

The programme features no cash prizes or sponsorships, unlike the original American series, due to the fact the BBC is a publicly funded broadcaster. Instead the winners of the weekly challenge were awarded with a "Ru Peter Badge" which was partly inspired by British children's show Blue Peter that first aired on the BBC.[5] The winner of the competition received an all-expenses paid trip to Hollywood to star in her own digital series produced by World of Wonder. During the finale The Vivienne won the competition and was crowned the "UK's First Drag Superstar."[6]

The second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK was confirmed and casting was closed on 15 November 2019.[7][8] Graham Norton and Alan Carr were confirmed to return as judges alongside RuPaul and Michelle Visage.[9] Carr revealed the second series two "had double the applicants" compared to series one.[10] Filming was suspended in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[11] However filming for the series resumed later that year in November.[12] On 16 December 2020, the full cast was announced[13]