The first batch of celebrities who’ll be appearing as guest judges on the upcoming second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK have been confirmed – and it’s an eclectic mix of stars.
So far, the BBC has announced five of the series’ guest judges, including chart-topping singer MNEK and daytime presenter (and occasional actor) Lorraine Kelly, both of whom appeared on the first series in 2019.
Lorraine was one of the two guest stars who played the first ever British version of Snatch Game, while MNEK helped the Frock Destroyers record their version of Break Up (Bye Bye), which ended up cracking the top 40 here in the UK.
Lorraine said: “It’s my favourite show in the world and I’ve actually been a judge on it!
“It was an absolute joy to be there… the queens were just incredible. I felt as if I were in a gorgeous Ru bubble all day and all was right with the world. And I was sitting beside RuPaul, who smells divine!”
Also joining the panel will be actor Elizabeth Hurley, supermodel Jourdan Dunn and performer Sheridan Smith.
Fingers crossed Sheridan’s involvement means we can expect a Cilla: The Rusical challenge in season two.
She joked fans should look out for her “fangirling and massive pregnant belly”, commenting: “I am such a superfan! I’m shaking! Ru was sat next to me! And Michelle Visage! And Alan Carr!
“It’s been amazing. The queens are fabulous. I had the best day. I felt like I’d won a competition.”
Dawn French previously teased that she would also be appearing as a guest judge on Drag Race UK, while reports recently suggested that Gemma Collins would be taking part in Snatch Game this time around.
RuPaul and Michelle Visage will both be returning for the second series of Drag Race UK, as will regular judges Graham Norton and Alan Carr.
The new series will launch on BBC Three on 14 January 2021, meaning the UK series will be airing at the same time as its US counterpart for the first time.
Get to know the 12 queens vying for the title of the UK’s next Drag Race superstar here.