The cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series 8 has been announced, with a new queen to be crowned the UK’s next Drag Race Superstar.
Ahead of the show’s release this autumn, the 12 drag queens have been announced via a press release, which describes them as “sassy, snatched, and seriously talented”. Viewers can now get a closer look at the brand-new cast on BBC iPlayer, with the preview programme Meet the Queens.
Over ten dramatic weeks, the 12 new queens will compete in a variety of challenges as they test their drag skills to be in with a chance of taking home the crown.
RuPaul will lead the judging panel that includes regular judges Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton. The series premiere date and guest judges will be revealed in due course.
The 12 queens hoping to sashay to victory in 2026 are as follows:
Alik
BBC
29-year-old Alik from Brighton described her drag aesthetic as “old meets new with goth glamour and a punk melting pot”.
She said: “I am a very well-rounded drag queen – I do a bit of everything! And I can do flips, tricks, cartwheels, dips, anything, you name it. I have done many athletic things in my life; I used to do trampolining and gymnastics and so I am agile and prepared for this show!”
Anita Piss
BBC
“I’m Anita Piss! I’m 37 years old, and I’m from Birmingham originally, although Anita hails from the dark, subversive East London drag scene.”
Anita said that entering Drag Race has been a lifelong ambition of hers, adding: “I have applied for Drag Race UK five times, and so it’s fifth time lucky for me! Anita Piss is ready to piss all over this competition. Season eight, season great!”
Coral-Hole Mandi
BBC
27-year-old Coral-Hole Mandi originally hails from Ballymena, though now resides in Belfast and describes herself as a “Bikini Bottom Bimbo from Belfast”.
Asked about her drag, she said: “If I had to describe my genre of drag, I would say I’m mer-mazing! My drag is very much inspired by my love of the sea and my background in marine biology. Growing up, I was obsessed by the ocean, sea creatures and mermaids. I always knew I wanted to be a mermaid or a creature from the deep one day.”
The Delta Quadrant
BBC
The Deborah Meaden of drag, The Delta Quadrant is a 32-year-old businesswoman who has smashed the drag ceiling.
She said: “Delta is a boss girl, and the CEO of everything. I represent a rare type of character led drag. I have one signature distinct look. I love power dressing, shoulder pads, tailored suits and I always sashay into the Boardroom, with my signature bob!”
Flesh
BBC
“The supermodel of Soho”, Flesh has been doing drag for around seven years. The 25-year-old is inspired by ’90s supermodels and British fashion.
“You may know a few of my sisters,” she said. “My best friend is Bones, winner of last year’s season of Drag Race UK. Together we are Flesh and Bones. My close drag family also includes season three winner Krystal Versace and DeDeLicious from season five.”
KY Kelly
BBC
The live singing comedy diva of the cabaret scene, KY Kelly is a 42-year-old drag queen from Rugeley in Staffordshire.
“I’ve been doing drag for nearly 16 years,” she said. “I perform up and down the country, five nights a week. I’m fully booked and blessed, and I love it. I’ve always described myself as an old school drag queen with a modern twist. I like the glitz, and the glam, and I like to diamante everything within an inch of its life.”
Lucky Roy Singh
BBC
Lucky Roy Singh said: “I’m the first South Asian queen on Drag Race UK, so get into it, baby. I’m Lucky Roy Singh, your Punjabi fantasy from Manchester, the Bollywood Punjabi diva – sweet on the outside, and spicy on the inside. Yes, I am 36 but the spices keep me youthful.”
She added: “My aesthetic is culture, heritage, history, It’s very much East meets West. I’m very glamorous and playful, but beware, Lucky is shady but kind.”
Ma_danni_x
BBC
48-year-old Ma_danni_x hails from The Wirral with 28 years of drag experience. She aims to bring “a lot of zest, a lot of energy, and lot of fire” to the competition.
Asked about her drag influences, she said: “I love great women, like Madonna, Cher, Kylie and of course, RuPaul. To be part of Drag Race UK is a dream come true for me. I’ve tried so hard to get on this show and I can’t wait to be mentored by the ultimate drag icon in my life – RuPaul. It’s absolute heaven! I love that glamourpuss.”
Mocha
BBC
An Essex queen, Mocha is 26 years old and has been performing drag for ten years. She said: “Just like the coffee, I’ll give you the runs.”
On her drag influences, Mocha said: “I’m Soho perfection blended with East London grit. Mocha is a good time girl who’s a little bit kooky. My drag is all about looking cartoonish, and I also love musical theatre – Barbra Streisand is my icon. I lean towards the vintage and the showgirl. I’m both fashionable and funny. I’m so blessed to be both because it means I’m sickening.”
Naya Thorn
BBC
At just 24, Naya Thorn has travelled the country performing drag for the past five years. She lives in Manchester but started her career in Liverpool.
“I am over the moon to be on Drag Race UK and I’m here to win. I am very in touch with my chakras, and my chakras are telling me that this season’s going to be full of talent and thorns,” she said.
Paris Baby
BBC
27-year-old Paris Baby said: “What’s poppin’?! It’s Paris Baby and I’m the UK’s British Bajan Barbie! I’ve been doing drag for seven years, I’m known as a fierce lip syncer, whether it’s a trick, a split, a flip, a whip, a dip, I’ve got it down, and on top of that I’m a minx.”
She added: “The world has been waiting for the UK to have a real villain, so here I am!”
Tequila Thirst
BBC
39-year-old London-born Tequila Thirst lives in Chester and describes herself as “a bubbly, bright, fun queen who is thirsty by name and thirsty by nature”.
She said: “Tequila is a ray of sunshine, who cannot be suppressed. Obviously, with a name like Tequila, I’m the self-confessed queen of limes. I love juicy greens, hot pinks and bright citrus colours. I am a Vietnamese North Londoner, and my identity subtly informs my drag. I’m here on this platform to shine bright, like a tequila glass.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK returns later this year, with seasons 1-7 available now on BBC iPlayer. Stop! That! Train! will be released in UK and Ireland cinemas on 21 August.
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy.
A horror enthusiast, she joined Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing largely on feminism in the genre.
In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed-media art. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art, where she specialised in painting. She also has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University.