Image: WOW Presents Plus / Instagram
It’s official, the first ever ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK: All Stars’ will premiere on WOW Presents Plus in Spring of 2027 (during the Northern Hemisphere’s autumn/fall). The announcement comes after The Sun revealed that ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ would be leaving the BBC due to budget cuts.
The BBC’s step away from the popular franchise follows its eighth season, which just launched on BBC 3, scoring an IMDB rating of 8.8, the franchise’s second-highest-rated premiere. A spokesperson for the BBC told The Sun that the decision to move away from ‘Drag Race’ was purely economical.
“As the BBC continues to navigate significant financial pressures and deliver the savings required of us, we have had to make some very difficult choices, none of which have been taken lightly,” said the BBC spokesperson.
“We can therefore confirm together with World of Wonder, that ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ will be leaving the BBC and moving to WOW Presents Plus.”
BBC’s ‘Drag Race’ Divorce A Step Toward The Right?
While fans have speculated that the cancellation might relate to the media outlet caving to right-wing pressures, the BBC’s official position toward ‘Drag Race’ remains strictly positive.
“The BBC is incredibly proud of all eleven series of this groundbreaking show,” they said, “and we would like to thank RuPaul, World of Wonder and everyone involved, both on and off screen.
“We are certain that viewers will enjoy the eighth series, which is currently airing on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three.”
World of Wonder and Drag Race producers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato have since made a statement affirming their commitment to keeping drag, LGBTQ+ media representation, and queer solidarity alive.
“Historically, during times of anxiety and regression, the queer, trans and drag communities are often targeted,” the pair wrote. “Today is no exception. We at World of Wonder are so grateful to our members for their support, and we remain steadfast in the values that make ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ more than just a fiercely entertaining show.
“For millions, it’s a lifeline, a safe space and a celebration, and WOW Presents Plus is incredibly proud to keep providing that platform.”
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