After a less than joyous start to 2021, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK was back to serve us plenty of sparkle, a dollop of camp and a smidgen of shade on Thursday night.
The premiere introduced us to the 12 new queens taking part in the hit BBC Three show, before they were required to produce two runway looks in homage to their favourite gay icons and their hometowns.
And let’s just say everything about it was exactly what we all needed right now...
BBC/World of Wonder/Guy Levy
1. Our very, very busy diaries were cleared especially for the occasion
2. Right from the off, it took our minds off the hellscape that is the outside world
3. The standard of this year’s queens was immediately clear
4. Joe Black immediately served up a quote that’s easily going to be memed as much as Cheryl Hole’s “I’m ready for another week of me doing mediocre”
5. We are so here for Tayce overtaking Gavin & Stacey as Barry Island’s most famous export
6. Someone pointed out this likeness, and now it’s all we can see
7. Ginny Lemon’s facial expressions were giving many people life
8. People’s suggestions for their own gay icon runway looks ranged from the inspired...
9. To the ridiculous...
10. RuPaul’s Scottish accent was seriously incredible
11. As was Lawrence quoting another Scottish icon in one of her confessionals
12. Even the V&A Museum was providing commentary on her look
13. The ‘ASOS jacket’ chat reminded us of a memorable moment from last year’s series
14. And if the brand has any sense, they’ll be in touch with Asttina about a collaboration ASAP
15. Her gay icon look was an absolute serve
16. There was confusion when the judges pulled apart Joe Black’s tribute to the Brighton Pavilion
17. And when she became the first queen to be sent home, there was an outcry
18. And it was nice to direct our anger at something other than Boris and co, even if it was just momentarily
19. Some early favourites quickly emerged
20. We can’t believe that we now have to wait a whole week for the next episode
21. Because the launch episode had EVERYTHING
22. And for many, it’s already far superior to the US series and its current ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ approach
23. Thank you Drag Race for rescuing what has otherwise been a terrible start to 2021
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is streaming now on BBC Three (via iPlayer), with new episodes dropping each Thursday at 7pm.