Drag Race UK confirms ‘not one but two seasons’ will arrive in 2021 – with RuPaul returning to screens in just a few months
RuPaul. (WOW)
Drag Race UK season two has been confirmed for “early 2021”, and casting has also been opened for a third season.
Filming on the BBC Three show was abandoned in March as the country locked down in response to the spread of coronavirus, and is only now resuming.
While a second partial lockdown in England will begin on Thursday (November 5), culture secretary Oliver Dowden has made clear that “COVID safe” film and TV production is permitted to continue under the rules.
On Monday (November 2), the BBC confirmed Drag Race UK season two will arrive in “early 2021” with RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton all returning.
The broadcaster also opened casting for a previously-unannounced third season for Drag Race UK.
RuPaul at the Drag Race UK judging table. (BBC)
In a release, RuPaul celebrated the imminent release of Drag Race season two.
“Looking forward to better days! I’m happy to announce the triumphant return of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,” she said.
“Early in 2021, season two will arrive with all the hope, joy, laughter and glitter you’ve come to expect from our brilliant queens.
“We’re also currently casting season three with the best and the brightest Great Britain has to offer.
“We feel honoured that you’ve embraced our little show, and our only wish is that we can offer a smile at a time when we can all use it the most.”
Drag Race UK season two to be followed by a third.
BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell added: “We’re very happy to confirm that series two of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is on its way very soon and with 12 new queens to meet, it’s even bigger than the first series and we can’t wait for you to see it in early 2021.
“Also, because we’re so excited about it and can’t keep it a secret, we wanted to share the news now that there is going to be a third series as well.
“It’s been a huge hit for us and we love it as much as you do so we’re delighted that we can continue our relationship with World of Wonder and can bring even more Drag Race to BBC Three.”
Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato of World of Wonder said: “Sashay away 2020. 2021 is just around the corner, and with it not one but two seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. We are thrilled to be doing our part to make 2021 much betta!”
No specific air date has been nailed down for either the second or the third season, though the show’s return is touted for “early 2021.”
Casting for the third season is open at rupaulsdragraceuk.com/casting, with the deadline of November 14.
The casting notice says: “Are you a RAWR star? RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is now casting for series 3, and the UK’S Next, Next Drag Race Superstar just might be YOU!!
“So grab your red wig and a silver dress and get ready to dazzle us on BBC3 and around the world. You can be the hero for the gays back home, home, home!”
