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The second UK series of RuPaul’s Drag Race may be on hold thanks to a certain virus, but the BBC has the perfect thing to tie fans over.
The broadcaster has announced it has acquired the exclusive rights to the Canadian version, which will be airing on BBC Three this summer.
Much like the original and UK equivalents, 12 of the best drag queens from Canada’s vibrant drag scene will compete for the title of Canada’s First Drag Superstar in a number of challenges and runways.
However, there will be one noticeable difference – RuPaul won’t be on the judging panel.
Instead, Drag Race series 11 contestant Brooke Lynn Hytes, model and LGBTQ activist Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, and supermodel and TV personality Stacey McKenzie will be the three permanent judges, with a guest joining them each week.
Ru will make cameo appearances, though, delivering RuMail to the queens, while fellow judge Michelle Visage will also appear as a guest judge.
The series will begin airing on BBC Three from 3 July, in the same week that each new episode debuts in Canada.
RuPaul said: “Canada’s Drag Race airing on BBC is further proof that self-expression, creativity and the tenacity of the human spirit resonates around the globe.”
BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell added: “We’re very excited that BBC Three will be the only place in the UK to watch the first ever Canada’s Drag Race and to be working with World of Wonder again. With a brilliant combination of contestants, judges and challenges, it has all the ingredients of a spectacularly fun series - get ready to fall in love with these Canadian Queens!”
Filming on the second UK series of Drag Race was halted back in March when the country entered lockdown, with no word yet on when it can resume.
An All Stars series is currently airing in the US, with episodes also dropping weekly in the UK on Netflix.