Just under a year ago, I was wandering around the first-ever DragCon UK, meeting some of the stunning drag artists who had made the debut season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK such a success. It was just a month or so before the country - and indeed the world - was plunged into chaos due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Filming for the second season of Drag Race UK had already kicked off when we were restricted by our first British lockdown, meaning that production had to be shut down and delayed, leading of course to the entire season being pushed back.
Fortunately, things were eventually allowed to resume with restrictions in place and now, we’re getting our first glimpse at the drag queens who are hoping to leave their stamp on the Drag Race brand, as part of Season 2.
Without giving too much away… this could be the absolute strongest cast a season of Drag Race has ever seen - and we’re talking internationally. Every single person who struts their way into that workroom has a distinctive personality and style, with a fabulous drive to succeed and make the most of their opportunity.
The British grit and determination is instantly on show. And of course, there are plenty of catty remarks thrown around to add a dash of drama to proceedings. What would Drag Race be without a feud or two? Don’t worry though, the queens have promised us they’re all the best of friends now that filming is over…
Following a mini challenge which teleported the contestants to Wimbledon, with the help of the gorgeous Brit Crew, the 12 were tasked with coming up with not just one look for the main stage, but two! The first was to be based off of an icon of the gay community who hails from the UK, whilst the second was to showcase their hometown.
We saw Naomi Campbell, Dusty Springfield, David Bowie and a whole host of other legends brought to the runway, before locations such as Lancashire, Nottingham and Brighton were celebrated. Of course, not all of the looks struck a chord with the judges - which by the way included the amazing Elizabeth Hurley, alongside our regulars RuPaul, Michelle Visage and Graham Norton - and their critiques were at times, in the words of our beloved Baga Chipz, “very very ‘arsh!”
It’s cliché to say, but there really is no telling where this season will go. Every single one of the queens has a shot at taking this home; they will undoubtedly have their perfect weeks and times when they’ll wish they did something differently, but whether they’re first out of the door or make it all the way to the end, each has proven they’re at the top of the drag game. For that, they have to all be celebrated.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK continues Thursdays on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.
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