FLESH WINS RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK SERIES EIGHT

RuPaul Charles named Flesh the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series eight, awarding the London contestant the UK’s Next Drag Race Superstar title and £25,000 prize. Flesh won the final lip-sync against Mocha from Essex and Naya Thorn from Dudley. Alik from Brighton also reached the finale but left before the three remaining contestants competed for the crown. Accepting the result, Flesh said: “I am over the moon, RuPaul where is my cheque?!”

The competition ran for ten weeks and began with twelve contestants, according to the programme’s announcement. Choreographer Claudimar Neto coached the four finalists for their last challenge, a megamix of girl group songs from Drag Race UK. Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton formed the judging panel, while the eliminated contestants returned for the finale. RuPaul welcomed the returning contestants for a final catwalk and a musical performance alongside the finalists.

Last year’s winner Bones handed Flesh the crown and sceptre, giving the ceremony a personal connection for the two performers. Flesh and Bones are best friends, perform together as Flesh and Bones and belong to the Heavenly Bodies drag family. The eighth series marks the British competition’s final outing on the BBC following the broadcaster’s decision to cancel it as part of wider cost-cutting measures. The programme’s announcement directs viewers to BBC iPlayer to watch series eight, including the grand finale.