RuPaul’s Drag Race UK kicked off its fifth season this week, on Thursday, September 28.
The very first episode, which introduced the 10 queens who will fight for the winning title, included the Fierce Impressions Ball.
The queens were asked to show three distinct looks on the runway, starting with their daytime drag look they would wear to the Werk Room. Then, they had to create another look showcasing what they would wear “Up in Da Club”, before concluding the challenge in their “Fierce Impressions Extravaganza Eleganza” show-stopping looks.
The judging panel, featuring RuPaul, Alan Carr, and Michelle Visage, welcomed a special guest. Supermodel Kristen McMenamy helped the judges decide who the top performers were.
In a surprising twist, RuPaul revealed that nobody would be going home in the first week.
As the new season takes off, here is a comprehensive look at this year’s queens.
Alexis Saint Pete
The 28-year-old Alexis Saint-Pete is a Polish Londoner who describes themselves as “the Polish Billy Elliot”.
Talking about how excited they were to join the show, they said: “I have dreamed about this moment, but I never thought it would happen and yet here I am!
“I want to inspire people to dream big, never give up and show that, if I can do it, you can do it, too! Let’s go!”
Banksie
This Mancunian queen, 23, realised they wanted to do drag after watching RuPaul on television.
They explained: “I was watching RuPaul on the telly and I thought, I want to do that! So, I started dabbling with drag in my bedroom for two years and then, once I turned 18, I went out and I just flourished!
“Drag has opened my mind to a whole new world. I met a whole new group of people who are now basically family to me.”
Cara Melle
Although Cara Melle, 26, is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she moved to London to study fashion and has been living in the capital for the past seven years.
She sees herself as “the Beyoncé” of the drag scene, sharing: “I serve amazing looks, I perform the hell out of anything, and I bring main character energy to the game. I want to show the world who I am.
“It’s very important to me because, when growing up, I never saw any Black trans women on TV, and now I get a chance to represent Black trans women.”
DeDeLicious
The 20-year-old Kent native has been a drag queen for a year-and-a-half, but says they’ve been practising since they were 16.
They might have an advantage in this year’s competition as one of their best friends is the season 3 winner, Krystal Versace.
The two met when they were 11 years old and have been close ever since.
Ginger Johnson
Ginger Johnson, 34, is from County Durham and is not new to the world of drag, having done it for nearly 15 years.
They say their drag journey started when they played the role of an old woman at a university project and it “snowballed from there”.
Kate Butch
This Derbyshire queen, 26, was inspired to call themselves Kate Butch after being a lifelong fan of the singer Kate Bush.
They describe themselves as “quirky, theatrical, and doing my own thing”.
Michael Marouli
Michael Marouli, 39, is from Newcastle-upon-Tyne and has practised drag since they were 22.
They describe their drag persona as “camp, daft, filth, fabulous, and iconic”.
Miss Naomi Carter
Miss Naomi Carter, 23, is from Doncaster and has been doing drag for five years.
They started getting into drag after attending Doncaster Pride with their mum in drag as well.
They describe themselves as “beautiful, sassy, gobby, and Northern”, and when asked what makes them unique, they explained: “I can DJ. I can rap. I can lip sync. I can dance. I can act.
“I’m fierce. I’m funny, and I’m really nice as well! I just cannot wait to get into that competition — I’m ready for it, baby!”
Tomara Thomas
The 25-year-old Hartlepool native described themselves, saying: “I’m more than this gorgeous dancing diva. I’ve got funny bones in my body so I want to win a comedy challenge!
“I’ve idolised RuPaul for years so the fact that they’ll be standing in front of me in the flesh is amazing — although they probably won’t understand a word I say!”
Vicki Vivacious
The 36-year-old from Cornwall is hoping to represent all the Cornish queens.
Talking about their drag background, they shared: “I’ve been doing drag for 15 years. I know that’s crazy, because I’m only 18. I fell into drag through my love of musical theatre.
“I moved from Cornwall to London to go to drama school and this is what happens when you get government funding and a scholarship!”
