RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 8 Announces August Release and Reveals 12 Competing Queens

RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 8 will premiere on 11 August, introducing 12 new queens competing across 10 weeks of challenges for the title of UK's Next Drag Race Superstar. The season will air on BBC Three and stream on BBC iPlayer, with episodes also available globally through WOW Presents Plus.

Release Details and Judging Panel

The BBC announced the official premiere date alongside a teaser campaign launching on social media. RuPaul will reprise hosting duties alongside Michelle Visage, while established guest judges Alan Carr and Graham Norton return to the panel. The announcement confirms the show's continued partnership with iPlayer following the success of previous seasons.

Viewers can expect the competition format that defined earlier seasons: charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent-based challenges determining weekly eliminations. The winner will succeed Bones, who claimed the season 7 crown in November 2025, with runner-up Elle Vosque and Miss Congeniality Chai T Grande rounding out the previous top finishers.

Concurrent Global Programming

Season 8 arrives alongside expanded Drag Race programming. The first-ever Drag Race Down Under vs. The World season runs parallel to the UK competition, featuring drag legend Raven returning to competition after 14 years away. Michael Marouli, runner-up from UK series 5, represents the United Kingdom in the international competition and advanced past the season's opening design challenge.

Additionally, RuPaul's comedy film Stop! That! Train! reaches UK and Ireland cinemas on 21 August. The production features Michelle Visage, Ginger Minj, Jujubee, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Latrice Royale, Monét X Change, and Symone alongside RuPaul, who portrays U.S. President Judy Gagwell. Guest appearances include Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, with the film earning an 85% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.