RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is departing the BBC following an eight-series run, the broadcaster confirmed on Wednesday. A spokesperson attributed the decision to “significant financial pressures” that have forced the corporation to make “very difficult choices” across its programming slate.
Starting in 2019, the franchise played a pivotal role in bringing British drag into the mainstream cultural conversation, elevating performers such as La Voix, Danny Beard, and Tia Kofi to household name status. At its peak viewership, the UK iteration attracted approximately 1.5 million viewers per episode. The program features queens competing in challenges before judges RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Graham Norton, and Alan Carr, often alongside celebrity guest judges.
Future iterations of the show, including the spin-off Drag Race UK vs The World, will relocate to Wow Presents Plus, a streaming service owned by the production company World of Wonder. Announcing the transition on Instagram, Wow Presents Plus teased that a “new era” for the franchise was beginning.
A new series, Drag Race UK All Stars, is scheduled to premiere in Autumn 2027 exclusively on the streaming platform. The current series, which launched in September 2026, will continue to broadcast on BBC Three and remain available on iPlayer until the transition is complete. All previous seasons will also stay accessible on the BBC’s platforms during the move.
The BBC is currently implementing plans to cut £500 million in costs, a initiative Director-General Matt Brittin has acknowledged requires “tough choices.” In a statement, the corporation expressed pride in the “groundbreaking” nature of the show and thanked RuPaul, World of Wonder, and all cast and crew members.
This development follows earlier moves by the BBC to drop LGBTQ+ dating programs I Kissed a Boy and I Kissed a Girl, citing similar funding challenges. Jordan Burrow, a contestant on the second series of I Kissed a Boy, described that cancellation as reflective of the current climate within the queer community. When asked if this shift might affect other international versions of the franchise, such as Drag Race Canada or Drag Race Down Under, the BBC declined to comment.
I wonder if the BBC is worried about the backlash from LGBTQ+ viewers after dropping those dating shows too?
Another £500 million cut? Really? Drag Race brought in younger audiences. This feels like a short-sighted financial decision by the BBC.
So sad to see it go! BBC Three was the perfect home for this show. Can’t believe they traded culture for savings.