Everything you need to know about RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs The World

In a global first, RuPaul takes Drag Race UK to the next level of competition as he opens up the battle to Drag Race queens from around the world.

Nine members of the RuPaul's Drag Race family will battle it out for the crown in the brand new series: RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs The World.

With the UK as the host nation, for the first time in Drag Race history, renowned queens from different franchises and cultures will compete in an international arena showcasing their country's finest drag in their bid to become the ultimate Drag Race Superstar.

The stakes have never been higher.

Baga Chipz

Representing: United Kingdom

"You heifers didn't think you were going to get rid of me that easily, did you? This time I'm going to take the crown!

"People will remember me from series one of Drag Race UK for being a method actress. I'm a comedienne, song queen, dance queen, make-up queen, look queen. I'm just everything.

"Last time I was an old scrubber from Soho but since then you could say I've had a glow up. I've had me lips done, I've had me teeth done, a bit of Botox, a bit of filler. And I've been very, very busy. I've done so much TV from Celebrity Masterchef, to Blankety Blank, to the Celebrity Circle, and now, I'm the most famous woman in Britain!

"I want to be queen of the world! I am in it to win it."

Blu Hydrangea

Representing: United Kingdom

"Blu is no longer GCSE art project – she's a masterpiece baby! 

"It's just so important to me to be visible for the queers of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

"It's been crazy being a Frock Destroyer! We have an album, we have a music video, we still travel all over the world. 

"My drag superpower is looking beautiful, being sweet and having a venomous tongue. I'm ready to make it to the top. I deserve to reign supreme." 

Cheryl Hole

Representing: United Kingdom

"I'm baaack! The queen of Essex herself repping for the UK. 

"I would never call myself famous! I'm more gay-mous! But it's been a laugh and a hoot.

"Well on series one... I became a meme. But this time I know I'm a star. I know I'm going to smash the challenges and I know I'm going to win.

"I am the one to beat. And I'm ready to show that I'm not mediocre anymore. This is the queen of the huns right here. I'm gonna have all the badges. I'll be QUEEN OF THE WORLD!"

Janey Jacké

Representing: Holland

"Hello! You might know me from Drag Race Holland, where I was a runner up. I was so close! But this time round, I'm ready, hungry and I'm feistier than ever.

"I'm going to approach it with a lot of fire. I've got it all! I've got the performances, I got jokes, I got everything in this package!

"My drag superpower is being 100% absolutely real.

"I don’t really think I have a weakness… Haha!"

Jimbo

Representing: Canada

"I was the robbed queen from Canada's Drag Race season one. But I've moved on and I'm here to rob someone else now. Let's do this!

"I'm not afraid to be a total wacko. I do love to dance to the beat of my own drum. I can be a clown, I can be a glamorous queen – and everything in between.

"I can't wait to take out my sisters. I have a thirst for drag blood. Make sure you sleep with one eye open!"

Jujubee

Representing: United States of America

"If Ru calls you, you answer and you do exactly what she wants you to do. So I'm here to take on the world!

"People might think I'm crazy for doing this again but I like torture. I've been everywhere and that's because of Drag Race.

"There's no way that I'm not getting to the top every single time. I am a pro at this competition. These girls can learn something from me. Ru might as well just give me the crown now."

Lemon

Representing: Canada

"Lemon is a comedy queen, a dancer, a look queen, an icon. 

"Canada has some of the fiercest queens in the world and I'm here to prove it.

"This time my drag has sky-rocketed! So I'm very excited. I think the world is going to be gagged.

"I think [the other queens] are going to be very scared of me. I look good in a tiara. It'd be really nice to give me one."

Mo Heart

Representing: United States of America

"Hello world, my name is Mo Heart! I am the artist formerly known as Monique Heart. It's time to give you Mo Heart, Mo Love, Mo Everything. Give it to me baby!

"When RuPaul gives you an opportunity baby, you'd better take it to the max. From the depths of my heart, I knew I would love to be able to do this one more time. And then I got a phone call! I took that call and so I came. This is the biggest stage in the world.

"I am truly prepared for the competition. It's not just that my runway looks that are going to slay – which they are, trust me, but y'all knew Monique – and it's time for you to know Mo Heart. She's a winner baby."

Pangina Heals

Representing: Thailand

"I am the co-host of Drag Race Thailand. I am here to represent my country, represent me and all of Asia!.This season, the world can see how amazing Asian drag queens are!

"Yes, I'm a Ru girl of sorts but I have never competed before. Now I am officially a Ru girl. Oh god, I hope I make my country proud.

"I can sing, I can dance, I can act. I am an Asian chameleon. I love serving you a different variety of drag. I'm excited to compete with the all the queens from the world – but they don't know who I am. I am going to be the dark horse of this competition. I know what they can do, but they don't know what I can do.

"I'm not going to play. I'm here to slay. And I'm going to kill the competition. I'm also brutally honest and that's how I live my life. If someone crosses me, then they no longer exist. I'm afraid, I'm gonna have to say goodbye to you!" 

The series will begin during BBC Three's launch night on television on Tuesday 1 February 2022 at 9pm - and will also be available on BBC iPlayer. New episodes will be released weekly on Tuesdays.

Michelle Visage, Graham Norton, Alan Carr and a sparkling array of superstar guest judges will join RuPaul to help him decide who will be queen of the world and named the first Global Drag Race Superstar.

Alan Carr says: "Drag is so much more than stunning outfits. Drag can be ironic, political, campy or arty. It's an amazing medium to share your opinion and moods. I don't think drag should just make your jaw drop, it should make your mind explode."

Graham Norton adds: "Drag Race contestants always exceed my expectations. I always go into the competition feeling like we must have seen the best already but then the bar gets raised again and again. I think people will be blown away by the looks and the talent that these international queens bring to the main stage."

Michelle Visage says: "It is important that all drag be showcased. It is so much fun to see how drag is done in other parts of the globe, that is one of the things that is so fun about this series."

And those special guest judges are: BBC Radio 1 and BBC Three presenter Clara Amfo, comedian and This Country star Daisy May Cooper, Bridgerton actor Jonathan Bailey, Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, Spice Girl Melanie C and actress Michelle Keegan. 

Jade Thirlwall says: "I'm so happy to be back here with the Drag Race UK family. This series has got some mega-stars joining us. It is a real celebration of global drag – and I feel so much love from the community. I can't wait for you to see it."

Melanie C adds: "I'm so excited to be on RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs The World. It really is the Olympics of Drag. It's a celebration of the uniqueness of British drag… and an opportunity to educate the nation."

Strictly finalist and champion dancer Johannes Radebe will also be making an appearance, lending a hand with the queens for their choreography for a maxi-challenge. And pop culture icon Katie Price will be joining Michelle Visage to play the Snatch Game.

Let the royal battle begin!

Earlier series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Canada's Drag Race and Drag Race Down Under are available on BBC iPlayer now.