Drag Race UK: Joanna Lumley, Alison Hammond, Hannah Waddingham, Boy George join Season 4 judges
David Farnor | On 02, Sep 2022
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK returns to BBC Three this autumn and Season 4 has already assembled a star line-up of judges and celebrity guests.
Judge supremo and global Drag icon RuPaul will once again lead the fabulous proceedings, as a new set of drag queens all compete for the coveted title of UK’s Next Drag Race Superstar. Each week, the queens will face challenges that test their drag skills to the max and joining RuPaul on the judging panel will be his trusty Drag Race UK sidekicks, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton.
Joining them will be a host of celebrity friends. The guest judges will include actress and activist Dame Joanna Lumley, TV presenter Alison Hammond, Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, singer-songwriter Boy George, fashion model and celebrity chef Lorraine Pascale, Spice Girls member Mel B, model, presenter and influencer Leomie Anderson, singer and actor Olly Alexanderand singer-songwriter FKA twigs.
As the competition unfolds, there will be additional celebrity guest appearances in the weekly challenges. One of Drag Race’s toughest and iconic challenges, Snatch Game will get a strictly sparkly twist as Tess Daly and AJ Odudu offer up their best blankety blanks. Comedian and actress Aisling Bea will drop by to bring some comedy to the competition.
Writing unique, charismatic and tuneful song lyrics are a must-have skill for all Drag Race queens and so singer-songwriter Cathy Dennis will drop by the Werk Room to give the queens a song writing master class. And Strictly 2021 champion dancer and choreographer Giovanni Pernice will take no prisoners as he puts the queens through their paces preparing them for an all-singing, all-dancing challenge.
Joanna Lumley says: “It thrills me to be a part of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The show is astounding at every level, and I loved it from the very start. RuPaul is the definition of what it is to be fabulous, and the show is packed with mad creativity, humour, and drop-dead glamour.”
Alison Hammond adds: “I can’t wait to join Ru and the judges on the main stage! I love Drag Race UK because the queens are extra and fabulous, just like me!”
Hannah Waddingham comments: “I’m ecstatic to be joining the Drag Race UK panel as a guest judge. Drag Race is all about passion, dedication and LOVE for their craft. Big kiss, Waddingham out.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is commissioned by Fiona Campbell, Controller BBC Three and Kate Phillips, in her capacity as Director of Entertainment. Watch this space for a confirmed air date.