Arabic version: «جيل رو» في دراغ ريس المملكة المتحدة يتنافس على التاج

According to BBC News, a new group of queens from across the UK will compete in the eighth series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK for the crown and a £25,000 cash prize. Several contestants describe themselves as part of “Generation Ru”, a cohort inspired by the reality competition.

Mocha, 26, an Essex-born contestant who calls herself a “fashion clown” and musical theatre lover, said watching Drag Race led her into drag. She said the art form combined interests including fashion design, singing, dancing and makeup. Mocha said contestants need passion for drag, describing the television show as an “extra-special prize” rather than the main goal.

London-based contestant Flesh, also 26, said she found drag through queens from the American franchise and had been hooked since the first UK series. Flesh is competing after her best friend Bones won the previous season, a result that made her happy but also nervous about proving herself.

Naya Thorn, from Dudley in the West Midlands, said new queens were emerging around the country, while adding that the programme could benefit from more seasoned performers. She said the cost of preparing for the show nearly caused her to withdraw and that support at home helped her become TV-ready.

Flesh said turnout at live drag performances had fallen during the five years she has run a drag show, and suggested rising costs had affected audiences. Paris Baby said she hoped the new series could bring a “drag renaissance” and reignite interest in the art form. Series eight launches at 22:00 BST on BBC Three and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.