Amid an announcement of a brand new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, many fans were quick to point out the lack of diversity in the season 5 cast ruveal.
The backlash came after it was revealed that all the queens’ hometowns are in England. This led one fan to point out that there have been “only two Irish queens” in the five series’.
“Of the 5 seasons of Drag Race UK there has only been 1 season with any Scottish representation (in which they placed 1st & 4th) there’s been very little representation for anywhere bar England across the seasons tbh. I mean, I’m still going to watch it but, am no happy about it!,” commented another fan.
Even Blu Hydrangea, a RPDR UK alum is speaking out about it, posting, “Love the UK5 cast, but 5 seasons with only two Irish queens.”
Love the UK5 cast, but 5 seasons with only two Irish queens 😩😩
— Blu Hydrangea (@BluHydrangea_) September 11, 2023
Now, long-time panelelist Michelle Visage is addressing the controversy in a conversation. Visage simply told Digital Spy that the show simply didn’t receive enough audition tapes from Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish queens.
“You ask them!” she said. “They have to audition. You can’t pick from the sky.
“If they don’t audition, or if they’re not on the level they need to be quite yet but I do believe they’ll all get there, that’s the way the cookie crumbles,” RuPaul’s 55-year-old bestie continued.
“But we’d love to represent all of the UK. Regional drag is everywhere. It’s all about the audition.”
The new cast consists of Alexis Saint Pete, Banksie, Cara Melle, DeDeLicious, Ginger Johnson, Kate Butch, Michael Marouli, Miss Naomi Carter, Tomara Thomas and Vicki Vivacious.
Be sure to catch the new season when it premieres on September 28.
THURS 28TH SEP ✨😍
— RuPaul's Drag Race UK (@dragraceukbbc) September 12, 2023
Here's a taster of what you can expect this season, and WHEN. You’re welcome! #DragRaceUK @BBCThree and @BBCiPlayer pic.twitter.com/st8YwqhvCZ
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