The third series of RuPaul’s Drag Race returns to BBC Three in September, and the extra special guest judges will join RuPaul alongside Michelle Visage, Graham Norton and Alan Carr as Ru looks for the UK’s Next Drag Race Superstar.
Two-time champion of Strictly Come Dancing, Oti Mabuse brings her Strictly sparkle to the Drag Race runway, lending her extensive dance expertise to the 12 new queens.
Actor, comedian and presenter Matt Lucas brings a playful addition to proceedings as he take up his position on the opening episode.
And living legend Kathy Burke brings her Gimme Gimme Gimme realness to the judging panel.
The RuPaul's Drag Race franchise, including RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, is produced by World Of Wonder.
Drag Race UK is commissioned by Fiona Campbell, Controller BBC Three and Kate Phillips, Controller, BBC Entertainment. The BBC Commissioning Editor is Ruby Kuraishe, and the Executive Producers are RuPaul, Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, Sally Miles and Bruce McCoy.
Oti Mabuse
How did it feel to be on set of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK?
I loved being on the set! It felt surreal - I’ve watched every episode since season 1 in the States, Canada, Down Under and I was excited to be on the UK one and meet the queens and work with them.
Do you have one word to describe your time on set?
Fantastic.
What do you think of the Queens this year?
I adore them. They’re so funny, so talented but even more than that they are real and it’s beautiful to see them really come out of their shell.
What would be your drag name?
Afriqa Alaganza, from the house of Alaganza!
Matt Lucas
What was it like to be a part of the show?
It was on my bucket list to be on the show, but my years of wearing tights are behind me, so I was both relieved and delighted to be asked to be on the panel! I was hugely impressed by the brilliance and invention on the show, and it was one of the most entertaining days I’ve ever had.
How would you describe yourself as a judge?
The more serious the situation, the sillier I tend to be. So I was very silly.
What do you love about Drag Race?
It’s a celebration of something which is all too rarely celebrated elsewhere, so it has become pioneering, definitive, iconic television.
Kathy Burke
What was it like to be on the set of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK?
I’m a big drag race fan, so It was absolutely brilliant to meet RuPaul and Michelle Visage - and I loved the very-kind-to-old- ladies’ lighting.
What would be your drag name?
My drag name would be Pam Demic.
Describe your time on the show in one word…?
Important.
