RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE UK AXED BY BBC AFTER EIGHT SERIES

RuPaul's Drag Race UK is leaving the BBC after eight series, the broadcaster confirmed on 9 September. A BBC spokesperson attributed the decision to "significant financial pressures" and "very difficult choices" facing the channel. Future series of the show, including its spin-off Drag Race vs The World, will move to Wow Presents Plus, a streaming platform owned by the production company behind the programme. The BBC spokesperson said the corporation was "proud of this groundbreaking show" and thanked RuPaul, World of Wonder and everyone involved in its production.

The show has broadcast on BBC Three and iPlayer since its launch in 2019. At its peak, the UK version averaged approximately 1.5 million viewers per episode. The programme became notable for bringing British drag into mainstream entertainment and established drag performers including La Voix, Danny Beard and Tia Kofi as household names. The competition format sees drag queens compete in challenges to impress judges including RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Graham Norton and Alan Carr, alongside rotating celebrity guest judges.

The BBC is currently implementing £500 million of savings across its operations. Director-General Matt Brittin previously told staff that "the scale of savings requires tough choices". Wow Presents Plus announced the move on Instagram, describing a "new era" for the franchise. A new series, Drag Race UK All Stars, featuring previous fan favourites, is scheduled to premiere on the streaming platform in autumn 2027.