RuPaul’s Drag Race UK fans react as last BBC winner crowned: ‘Gagged’
The final three of Drag Race UK 2026: Flesh, Mocha and Naya Thorn (BBC/World of Wonder/Nick Strasburg)
Flesh has been crowned the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season eight, becoming the show’s last-ever champion during its BBC run and taking home a £25,000 cash prize.
The finale aired on 5 November, with RuPaul declaring Flesh the winner after the final lip sync battle. Season seven winner Bones, Flesh’s sister from the “Heavenly Bodies” drag family, then handed over the crown and sceptre to the new reigning champion.
Reacting to the win, Flesh said: “Ooh my god, this is crazy! I am over the moon, RuPaul where is my cheque?! To be here with Bones is just the perfect moment; this is everything I have ever dreamed of and more, and I am so proud of myself!”
Season eight is the final run of Drag Race UK that will air on the BBC, after the broadcaster dropped it due to “significant financial pressures” in September. It will now move to WOW Presents Plus, starting with the first RuPaul’s Drag Race UK: All Stars.
Who made it to the Drag Race UK season eight finale?
After 12 iconic queens entered the werkroom, four finalists remained in the running: Naya Thorn, Alik, Mocha and Flesh.
For their final challenge, the queens worked with choreographer Claudimar Neto on a mega mix performance built around some of Drag Race UK’s best-known girl group songs.
Following the final round of judging, Alik was voted off before the last lip sync, leaving Flesh, Mocha and Naya Thorn to battle it out for the crown.
‘Everyone was gagged’
As with every year, fan reaction was mixed with people excited for Flesh, while others were sad their favourite didn’t get the crown.
Commenting on the live reaction from the queens on Instagram, one said: “My fave was Naya but very well deserved winner! Such a great top four.”
Another said: “The way everyone was gagged got me. But congrats!!” A third wrote: “I’m so happy she won! Go Flesh!”
Someone else said: “The way everyone was sure Mocha was gonna win.” While another added: “I really thought it was between Mocha and Naya however Flesh did a great season, so she of course deserves it, but even she looked kinda shocked.”
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