Drag Race UK vs The World announces final guest judges and stars – including surprising pop star

The final selection of guest judges and guest stars set to appear on the upcoming third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World has been announced, with the list including a surprising chart-topping pop star.

“Human” and “Giant” hitmaker Rag’n’Bone Man is set to stop by the Werk Room this season for a few words of encouragement for the competing queens during the girl group challenge. 

The British musician, who topped the album charts in 2017 and 2021 with his debut and sophomore records Human and Life By Misadventure, isn’t the typical pop girly or TV hun that Drag Race UK fans are used to, considering previous guests have ranged from Sophie Ellis-Bextor to EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy.

That said, the musician, whose real name is Rory Charles Graham, said in a statement that he is “excited” to coach the season’s 10 competing queens, as the girl group challenge is his “favourite”.

Plus, pop girly fans shouldn’t be too disappointed, as the BBC will certainly be delivering on that front, too. Newly announced guest judges and guest stars include “Plastic Box” singer and staunch LGBTQ+ ally JADE, plus two-time bisexual Eurovision winner, Loreen.

JADE will return to the Drag Race UK panel for the third time, explaining in a statement that she adores the show for the “community and love” that comes from it.

Swedish musician Loreen, who will be making her Drag Race Ruturn having previously served as a guest judge on Drag Race Sverige season one in 2023, said that taking part in the show again was “a real joy” and “a truly beautiful experience”.

Supermodel Kristen McMenamy will also return to the Drag Race UK judging panel, with comedian Jayde Adams also making an appearance.

The five new guest judges and stars join those already announced to feature on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World season three, including Amandaland actress Lucy Punch, On Swift Horses actor Will Poulter, “Left Outside Alone” singer Anastacia, and Bananarama members Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward.

Pussycat Dolls Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt will appear as coaches, as will Doctor Who showrunner, Russell T Davies.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World season three features a cast of ten international divas, including three Drag Race UK titans – Kate Butch, Sminty Drop, and Zahirah Zapanta.

Mariah Paris Balenciaga, from the OG Drag Race franchise and All Stars 5 will compete too alongside Drag Race Germany’s The Only Naomy, Drag Race Mexico’s Serena Morena, Drag Race Philippines’ Minty Fresh, Canada’s Drag Race star Melinda Verga, Drag Race Thailand’s Gawdland, and Drag Race Sverige star Fontana – who Loreen may be familiar with from her original guest judging duty.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World season three will premiere on BBC iPlayer from 8pm on Tuesday 27 January.

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