A spokesman for the BBC said Graham Norton is no stranger to RuPaul’s Drag Race, having already appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars season two in the US as a guest judge in 2016. While comedian Alan Carr is a long-time fan of RuPaul, who appeared on his chat show, Alan Carr’s Chatty Man.
Both Graham and Alan share a passion for the drag scene and RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The spokesman said the UK adaption of the global hit will showcase the most fabulous drag queens that the UK has to offer. The contestants will take part in a series of challenges that will test the queens’ comedy, modelling, and acting skills. Graham and Alan will appear as rotating resident judges, alongside RuPaul, Michelle Visage and a celebrity guest judge.
For the grand finale, Graham and Alan will both appear on the judging panel and will assist host RuPaul in crowning the UK’s Next Drag Superstar.
Graham Norton said:
“Becoming part of the drag race family makes me ridiculously happy! I can’t wait to see what the UK drag queens bring to the party, but they better weeeeerk!!!”
Alan Carr, said:
“Wow! To be sat next to Michelle Visage and Mama Ru as a guest judge on possibly one of my all-time favourite shows EVER is a dream come true. I can’t wait to see what the UK Queens have got in store – it’s going to be sickening! *does death drop*”
RuPaul, said:
“I was both shocked and delighted when Graham and Alan told me they’d be wearing tucking panties when sitting at the judges’ table. I told them it was not necessary, but they insisted. Now that’s what I call dedication!”
Kate Phillips, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning, said:
“I am so excited that self-confessed Drag Race fans Graham and Alan have agreed to join Ru and Michelle on our judging panel. Their immense wit and wisdom will be invaluable in ensuring the most deserving Queen sashays away with the title.”
An exact air date hasn’t been announced yet, but we do know that RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is expected to strut into our lives sometime this year.