Michelle Visage is taking over Drag Race UK. (WOW)
RuPaul won’t be on next week’s Drag Race UK – and Michelle Visage is taking over.
Brooke Lynn Hytes did it. Nicky Doll did it. Pangina Heals (reverse) did it. Now, RuPaul’s long time bosom-buddy, Michelle Visage, is taking over the drag legend’s role as HBIC on episode seven of Drag Race UK.
“For the first time in Drag Race herstory, the judges have taken control”, a teaser reveals.
Visage – who looks right at home on the main stage – says: “Welcome to the main stage of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, RuPaul is unable to join us tonight.”
It’s also confirmed that Boy George is this episode’s guest judge, and that Raven (Ru’s makeup artist) is also sat behind the judges’ desk for the first time.
This marks another first, as Raven becomes the first former contestant on the show to sit on the panel of a RuPaul-fronted Drag Race.
In the preview for the episode, following this week’s (questionable) Snatch Game, a shocking elimination has also been teased.
The episode is a makeover challenge, in which the queens each have to give someone a “drag makeover” – but the voiceover does not sound like it will be entirely happy families.
“With a shocking elimination no one will see coming, you won’t want to miss a moment.” Eek!
Fans have gagged at the news, with some speculating that they could be teasing future seasons with Miss Paul missing entirely.
i feel like they’re also testing the fans to see the reaction to rupaul not hosting anymore https://t.co/FXypYyff58
— ray ✨ (@mascarayde) October 28, 2022
not RuPaul pulling a Ginny Lemon next week–? #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/UDwF8eQwfs
— Seddera Side (@sedderaside) October 28, 2022
One fan even wrote: “I’m convinced we’re getting closer and closer to Asia O’Hara’s Drag Race“, in reference to RuPaul accidentally slapping the season 10 contestant during a skit, and Asia joking that she would sue the host for her show. Needless to say, Asia did not win that season.
The inclusion of Boy George in Drag Race UK sparked backlash when it was announced in August, due to his problematic past and criminal record.
This week, Le Fil sashayed away after failing to impress the judges with her Marie Kondo impression and losing her lip sync to Black Peppa.
Drag Race UK airs on Thursday evenings on BBC Three.