RuPaul’s Drag Race UK: All Stars confirmed as show finds new home after BBC axe
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is leaving the BBC (BBC/World of Wonder/Guy Levy)
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK: All Stars is coming – though on a new home after the show was dropped by the BBC.
The new All Stars series is set to premiere globally on WOW Presents Plus, bringing back queens from across the UK franchise for a fresh competition, according to Variety. It’s reportedly due to air in autumn 2027.
In a statement addressing the show’s exit from the BBC, World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato said: “Historically, during times of anxiety and regression, the queer, trans and drag communities are often targeted. Today is no exception.
“We at World of Wonder are so grateful to our members for their support, and we remain steadfast in the values that make RuPaul’s Drag Race more than just a fiercely entertaining show. For millions, it’s a lifeline, a safe space and a celebration, and WOW Presents Plus is incredibly proud to keep providing that platform.”
The announcement follows reports, via The Sun, that the show would be leaving the BBC due to budget cuts.
Bailey and Barbato went on: “It has been a pleasure working with everyone at The BBC, and we wish them well,” adding: “While we don’t get to choose when opportunity knocks, we could not be more excited for this new chapter.”
Drag Race on the BBC
The move comes as RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season 8 has just launched on BBC Three, with 12 queens hoping to snatch the crown. The season 8 premiere scored an IMDb rating of 8.8, with a 20% increase in streams on WOW Presents Plus.
All eight seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and the three seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs. The World are set to move to WOW Presents Plus.
Some of the franchise’s international series have had their home on the BBC, with both Canada’s Drag Race and Drag Race: Down Under streaming – though not their most recent seasons, which have also been on WOW Presents Plus instead.
The queens react
Many of the Drag Race UK girls have shared their disappointment that it is leaving the BBC and such a mainstream platform.
Bimini, who was a runner-up on season two, said on X: “That show was on in living rooms where drag was not welcome, and it changed something in those living rooms. At a time when queer and trans people in this country are being legislated about and shouted about more than ever, that matters. It still does.
“To every queen who came through those doors and everyone who ever watched: thank you.”
La Voix, a runner-up on season six, said on Instagram: “I know the show will live on, on WOW Presents, but it’s a loss to not have this represented on main terrestrial TV! So, to everyone who has been part of the BBC Drag Race UK family – queens, crew, producers, judges and everyone behind the scenes – thank you for the memories, the opportunities and the friendships.
“I’ll always be proud to have been a little part of its story.”
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