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New queens prepare to land on Drag Race UK runway

World of Wonder Drag royalty RuPaul is looking directly down the camera lens. She's wearing a dark purple, glittery gown with straps over her shoulders and star-shaped gold and purple earrings. Her eye make-up is dark and dramatic and she has glamorous blonde hair. She's standing in front of a background of billowing orange flames.World of Wonder
Drag royalty RuPaul returns as lead judge alongside Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton

RuPaul's Drag Race UK is revving its engine again.

The hit series is set for another rhinestone-covered ride to find the country's next drag superstar.

Drag royalty RuPaul returns alongside judges Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton.

They'll be joined by guests as 12 new queens compete in challenges - from dancing, live comedy and sewing to the show's famous lip sync battle performances.

But many racing to be top of the class of 2024 already have thousands of miles on the clock.

The cast is telling BBC Newsbeat about starting life as far from Drag Race's runway as Australia, the Caribbean and off Scotland's west coast on the Isle of Bute.

'Caribbean flavour'

"Even Glastonbury's bigger than my island," says Rileasa Slaves, who is originally from St Lucia and lives in London.

"I only recently found out that there's even drag back home. When I left, that wasn't even a thing."

World of Wonder Drag Race UK contestant Rileasa Slaves poses sternly for the camera, with fur fabric draped over her arm. She's wearing a brown gown with a bejewelled eye on her chest and a matching necklace. Rileasa's pointed fingernails are painted with glitter, her make-up is dark and her hair is light brown with a sharp fringe. She's standing in front of a bright pink background and wisps of white smoke.World of Wonder
Drag Race UK contestant Rileasa Slaves moved from St Lucia to London

As for choosing her drag name, Rileasa says she wanted to reference historical enslavement of Caribbean people by the British and some other European countries.

"I love it because it's all about bringing up discussion," says the 32-year-old.

"It's about shedding light on a part of history. It's in my ancestry, it's all tied in.

"I think it's a very important conversation.

"I'm happy to represent my island and my Caribbean flavour is seasoned throughout my entire persona."

'Frankenstein of drag'

All UK nations are represented in a cast that includes queens whose careers have taken them around the world.

"I was born in Australia but my parents are originally from the Philippines," says Saki Yew, who now lives in Manchester.

"There's a UK influence too. My background is like a little melting pot, a Frankenstein of drag."

It's proof, Saki says, that it's possible to take your own route to RuPaul's world-famous runway.

"It's a really strong, fierce cast and I think people are going to be very surprised by us."

World of Wonder Wisps of white smoke surround Drag Race UK contestant Saki Yew who is wearing a dramatic, shiny black headdress that surrounds her face. She is covered in a thick, black coat with a winged collar and is wearing shiny black gloves with sharp fingertips. Her lipstick is red, as is the background she is in front of.World of Wonder
The cast, including Saki Yew, were asked to showcase 'Bond girl villain' looks for their photoshoot

The Drag Race brand has spread across the world since its 2009 US debut, sparking numerous international series and spin-offs.

One of the original version's stars Jinkx Monsoon appeared in Doctor Who playing villain Maestro opposite Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor.

In the UK, 2023 winner Ginger Johnson has since premiered a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and toured the country.

Danny Beard followed snatching series 4's crown by presenting shows on BBC Radio 1.

But this year, being on stage in Edinburgh is already on one queen's CV - even if big audiences weren't always there to see her.

"I've performed to a room of three people," says 25-year-old Chanel O’Conor.

"I've been someone who's failed disastrously on stage.

"It makes you a better person and performer and when you go on Drag Race, you can roll with the punches."

World of Wonder Drag Race UK contestant Chanel O'Conor is looking down the camera lens wearing black netting across her arms and chest with a black, glittery corset underneath. She's wearing a black veil which hangs down her back and is attached to her wrists with feathers hanging down. She has large pearl-effect earrings with dark eye make-up and short, slick ginger hair.World of Wonder
Chanel O'Conor grew up on the Isle of Bute before learning more about drag in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester

'Skills, talents, looks, everything'

Chanel grew up on the Isle of Bute where she says its population of under 6,500 offered little drag inspiration.

But her place on Drag Race UK's starting grid is getting attention at home.

"A ferry service has decided to rename itself in honour of drag queens and its name is Foghorn Fanny," she says.

"So far the only drag queens [from Bute] are Chanel O'Conor and Foghorn Fanny."

Inspiring such a renaming is likely to be unique to Chanel this series but she's confident everyone will enjoy the ride ahead.

"I'm so proud to be part of Drag Race. It's so diverse and we have so many amazing skills, talents, looks, everything," she says.

"Series six is fresh and I can't wait for the world to see it.

"And all the people on the ferry. I'm sure they'll be watching."

The new series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK premieres on BBC iPlayer on Thursday 26th September at 8pm.

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Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.

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