RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will officially return to our screens for season six on Thursday, September 26, the BBC has confirmed.
New episodes will air from 8pm on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, and launch weekly in the same Thursday night slot.
This news comes shortly after the official line-up of queens was revealed. The new UK season will see Mama Ru back alongside Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, Graham Norton and a host of celebrity guest judges.
The cast boasts an impressive line-up of queens including a Britain’s Got Talent star, a Rhianna look-alike, and the show’s oldest queen yet.
So, let’s meet the 2024 cast of Drag Race UK…
Actavia
Season six’s youngest queen is 21-year-old Actavia, who says becoming a Ru girl is a “dream come true”.
“I’m from a tiny little town in North Wales called Bala but I now live in Manchester. Bring on the Welsh!” Actavia said. “I always like to add a villainess look to my drag aesthetic but I’m really approachable – I promise!”
Chanel O’Conor
Representing Scotland this year is 25-year-old Chanel from the Isle of Bute.
Chanel already has links to Drag Race UK royalty, having made outfits for season two winner Lawrence Chaney.
“I make all of my own clothes, and I’ve created looks for other queens too. In fact, a lot of my work has already featured on the show,” she revealed. “I’m so proud of that, but it’s now time for me. I want to show off all of my creations ON ME – and I want to win!”
Charra Tea
“Hello world! My name is Charra Tea, I’m 23 and I am from Belfast, Northern Ireland.”
Charra has confessed she’s a very competitive queen, adding: “I always like to be the best. I’ve only competed a few times in drag, and only won once, so hopefully I can win again. Fingers crossed!”
Dita Garbo
Making Drag Race UK history as the show’s oldest contestant ever is “48 years young” Dita Garbo from Folkestone in Kent.
“I serve burlesque Hollywood glamour,” she explained. “My influences are burlesque icon Dita Von Teese and Hollywood starlet, Greta Garbo. Hence my name – Dita Garbo.”
Dita insists she’s not too worried about being the oldest in the competition: “I can jump, split, kick, turn, shablam, drop, turn, backflip, split again… but then I might need some help getting up!
“The nice thing about being older is that you come to the competition with a lot of wisdom. If the younger queens need it, I’ll give them some motherly love and advice, but if they annoy me, I’ll tell them!”
Kiki Snatch
Hoping to “snatch the crown and shut it down” is 25-year-old Kiki Snatch.
The young London-based queen says she’s all about performance and promises to deliver the party atmosphere.
“You’re going to get cartwheels, splits, dips, tricks, games with the audience… You’re just going to have a fun, fabulous time,” she teased. “That’s why they call me Kiki!”
Kyran Thrax
Originally from Lancashire, 26-year-old Kyran Thrax takes inspiration from Lady Gaga and art house horror films.
“I’m raring to go, the timing is perfect. I am going to be a monster,” Kyran enthused. “I’m a performer, and whilst studying Acting and Contemporary Theatre at drama school, I was doing Shakespeare, expressionism, and clowning… and so I thought why not put it all together and mix it with my love of make-up and drag.”
La Voix
Fans may recognise “seasoned diva” La Voix from her appearances on Britain’s Got Talent, Queens for the Night, and Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.
From Stockton on Tees, the 43-year-old queen is well known for her singing and comedy skills.
“I’m known for big, loud belty songs and I love to make ‘em laugh,” she said. “I’ve toured all over the world with my one woman show… and now I’m here on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK!”
Lill
“My name’s Lill, I’m 36 years old, and I’m from the best place in the world – Manchester! I’m gorgeous, I’ve got great style, I’m creative, fun and I’m easy like a Sunday morning.”
Describing her drag style as “creative and rebellious”, Lill enjoys finding hidden treasures from charity shops and transforming them into stunning looks.
“The best thing about me is my sense of style,” she revealed. “My style is usually glamorous pin up girl, but sometimes it can be freaky and weird! Fashion comes and goes, but style is forever”
Marmalade
24-year-old Marmalade describes herself as “the crown jewel of Cardiff drag”.
“I would describe my drag as Hollywood glamour, all wrapped up in a gorgeous Welsh sense of stupidity,” she said. “I like to think that I give vintage aesthetic with a modern twist!”
When she’s not in drag, Marmalade works as a full-time seamstress and has previously made outfits for Drag Race UK alumni including Lawrence Chaney, Victoria Scone and Tia Kofi.
Rileasa Slaves
London-based queen Rileasa Slaves, 32, says she’s often told she resembles a certain iconic pop star.
“I have been told I resemble a certain worldwide superstar named Rihanna,” she revealed. “Like Rhianna, I’m also a Caribbean queen, a glamazon, and a superstar, but I’m not Rihanna. I’m the real Rileasa, ready to be rileasa’d onto the world.”
Saki Yew
Originally from Australia, Saki Yew has since settled down in the Manchester drag scene.
“It’s really important to me to represent my cultural identity in my drag and so I serve Australian showgirl glamour, mixed with high energy Filipino sass and a sprinkle of Northern wit and realness,” the 33-year-old said. “I think I am a bit of a Frankenstein drag queen!”
Zahirah Zapanta
28-year-old Zahirah Zapanta from Nottingham says she’s feeling “incredible, beautiful and most importantly humble” ahead of season six.
“The look is correct, the hair is laid, the performances are fabulous, but the personality is a chaotic mess,” she remarked. “I’m so proud of my British Filipino roots and it has influenced my drag so much.
“I grew up with a lot of powerful women in my life. Growing up with Filipino aunties, my mum, my sister and lesbian aunties has definitely shaped Zahirah. The genetics do help me look this fabulous too!”