RU-NEWED

Drag Race UK renewed for second season by BBC as RuPaul gushes over launch’s success

Oliver Higham-Grady

Published: 11:27, 7 Nov 2019
Updated: 12:03, 7 Nov 2019

RUPAUL's Drag Race UK has been renewed by the BBC for a second series.

Currently midway through its first run, the British spin-off of the hit US format has proved a massive success with 6.5 million iPlayer requests.

The UK version of the show has proved an enormous hit with viewersCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

Host RuPaul revealed he was blown over by the staggering response to the British queens doing their thing and can't wait to do it all again.

He said: "I want to thank the BBC and all our fans for their overwhelming support of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

"This season's queens proved that Britain's Got Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent - and I want to see more!"

The format sees several drag queens competing in various challenges in order to be named Britain's Next Top Drag Superstar.

The British contestants delivered an amazing 'Snatch Game' this seasonCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

Aspiring queens have just over a week to apply for season twoCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

The UK competition currently has five queens left in the running - Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, Davina de Campo and The Vivienne.

The judging panel features Strictly Come Dancing star Michelle Visage, who also judges on the US version, Graham Norton and Alan Carr.

There has also been a revolving door of celebrity guest judges including Andrew Garfield, Maisie Williams, Twiggy, Geri Horner and Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall.

Cheryl Tweedy will guest judge on tonight's episode.

In the States, the show has run for eleven regular seasons and had several All-Stars spin-offs.

RuPaul has praised the talent of the queens hereCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall has guest judged this seasonCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

Ru and Michelle on the red carpetCredit: PA:Press Association

There is also going to be a celebrity version of the US show in 2020, while the second series of the UK version will also hit BBC Three late next year.

The BBC's Kate Phillips said: “The response to the current UK series has been nothing short of dragulous. Our viewers have really taken the show and the amazing queens to their hearts.

MOST READ IN TV & SHOWBIZ