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**Warning: This article contains spoilers for the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.**
After ten intense weeks full of electrifying lip-sync battles, stunning runway presentations, and sharp-tongued exchanges, the UK’s next Drag Race superstar has finally been revealed. The BBC’s run of the show came to an end as the network announced the series would be discontinued due to budget constraints, leading to a dramatic finale that saw twelve contestants reduced to a single victor.
On Thursday evening, RuPaul presented the crown to Flesh, the London-based queen, who emerged victorious over fellow finalists Mocha, Naya Thorn, and Alik. At just 26 years old, Flesh received the win from last year’s champion, Bones, her closest friend and drag sister. The pair also performed together under their joint act, Heavenly Bodies. Talking after the celebration, Flesh described the victory as “surreal” and recounted how she spent the night “smiling, crying, and laughing.”
Flesh holds the bittersweet distinction of being the last queen crowned during the show’s BBC era, as the series is set to continue on Wow Presents Plus—a streaming service owned by the show’s production company. The transition brings mixed feelings among fans. Many are optimistic about potential increases in prize money and a broader scope for the series, but some worry this move could reduce LGBTQ+ visibility because of the platform’s subscription model. Flesh herself acknowledges that while the new home might allow for more diverse performers and subcultures, shifting behind a paywall could shrink the audience for drag. She states, “This is where it feels slightly sadder that we’re leaving the BBC because for all of the parameters that it created that limited what we could do, there was more exposure than drag has ever been given.”
There’s also concern about how this change may impact the UK drag scene long term. Flesh worries the reduced exposure could lead to fewer opportunities for performers, saying, “Without that exposure, there will be less demand and with less demand and less exposure, events won’t be able to be created.” Despite these concerns, she encourages people to engage with their local drag communities, suggesting performers find new ways to innovate and attract fresh audiences.
The BBC’s decision to discontinue the show came shortly after the current series began airing, with the broadcaster citing “very difficult choices” amid “significant financial pressures.” During the finale, Flesh was awarded a £25,000 cash prize after impressing judges in the maxi challenge, which involved a megamix performance of girl group anthems from previous series. Reflecting on the finale, Flesh described it as a “really fun and tasteful way to reflect on the iconography of Drag Race UK,” hoping past contestants feel “honoured” by the tribute. However, she revealed that the final contestants sensed the uncertain future the show faced when rehearsing for the challenge.
Throughout the competition, Flesh stood out as a fashion icon, consistently delivering runway looks that RuPaul described as unforgettable moments in the show’s history. During the finale, Flesh expressed to RuPaul and judge Michelle Visage that Drag Race sends a powerful message: “it’s not only OK to be them but it’s a gift and a dream,” adding that being crowned the UK’s next drag race superstar would represent her dream coming true. Impressively, Flesh never landed in the bottom two throughout the series and faced her first lip-sync battle only in the final showdown. Following Alik’s elimination, Flesh, Mocha, and Naya Thorn performed a rendition of David Bowie’s “Modern Love” to close out the BBC era of the show
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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