RuPaul's Drag Race UK series 1

Template:Infobox reality talent competition The first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK began airing on 3 October 2019 on the BBC Three section of BBC iPlayer and World of Wonder's WOW Presents Plus streaming service.

The song "Break Up (Bye Bye)", which was featured in the fifth episode, was released as a single and reached number 35 in the UK Singles Chart. It also peaked at number 44 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart in America.

The winner of this series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK was The Vivienne, with Divina de Campo as the runner-up.

Contestants

The cast was announced on 21 August 2019 via YouTube and Instagram.

Ages, names, and cities stated are at time of filming.

Contestant	Age	Hometown	Outcome
The Vivienne	26	Liverpool, England	Winner
Divina de Campo	35	West Yorkshire, England	Runner-up
’Baga Chipz'	29	London, England	3rd Place
Cheryl Hole	25	Essex, England	4th Place
Blu Hydrangea	23	Belfast, Northern Ireland	5th Place
Crystal	34	London, England	6th Place
Sum Ting Wong	30	Birmingham, England	7th Place
Vinegar Strokes	34	London, England	8th Place
Scaredy Kat	19	Wiltshire, England	9th Place
Gothy Kendoll	21	Leicester, England	10th Place

Contestant progress

Contestant	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
The Vivienne	WIN	HIGH	HIGH	WIN	BTM2	WIN	HIGH	Winner
Divina de Campo	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	LOW	WIN	HIGH	WIN	Runner-Up
Baga Chipz	HIGH	WIN	SAFE	WIN	WIN	LOW	BTM2	Eliminated
Cheryl Hole	HIGH	LOW	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	BTM2	ELIM	Guest
Blu Hydrangea	SAFE	BTM2	SAFE	SAFE	WIN	ELIM		Guest
Crystal	SAFE	SAFE	HIGH	BTM2	ELIM			Guest
Sum Ting Wong	HIGH	HIGH	BTM2	ELIM				Guest
Vinegar Strokes	BTM2	HIGH	ELIM					Guest
Scaredy Kat	SAFE	ELIM						Guest
Gothy Kendoll	ELIM							Guest

  The contestant won RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

  The contestant was a runner-up.

  The contestant did not lip-sync for the crown and was eliminated.

  The contestant won the challenge.

  The contestant received positive critiques and was ultimately declared safe.

  The contestant received critiques but was ultimately declared safe.

  The contestant received negative critiques but was ultimately declared safe.

  The contestant was in the bottom.

  The contestant was eliminated.

  The contestant returned as a guest.

Lip-syncs

Episode	Contestants			Song	Eliminated
1	Gothy Kendoll	vs.	Vinegar Strokes	"New Rules" (Dua Lipa)	Gothy Kendoll
2	Blu Hydrangea	vs.	Scaredy Kat	"Venus" (Bananarama)	Scaredy Kat
3	Sum Ting Wong	vs.	Vinegar Strokes	"Would I Lie to You?" (Eurythmics)	Vinegar Strokes
4	Crystal	vs.	Sum Ting Wong	"Spice Up Your Life" (Spice Girls)	Sum Ting Wong
5	Crystal	vs.	The Vivienne	"Power" (Little Mix ft. Stormzy)	Crystal
6	Blu Hydrangea	vs.	Cheryl Hole	"Call My Name” (Wideboys Remix) (Cheryl)	Blu Hydrangea
7	Baga Chipz	vs.	Cheryl Hole	"Tears Dry on Their Own” (Amy Winehouse)	Cheryl Hole
8	Divina De Campo	vs	The Vivienne	"I'm Your Man" (Wham!)	Divina De Campo

  The contestant was eliminated after their first time in the bottom two.

  The contestant was eliminated after their second time in the bottom two.

  The contestant was eliminated after the final lip sync of the season.

Guest judges

Listed in chronological order:

• Andrew Garfield, actor
• Maisie Williams, actress, internet entrepreneur
• Twiggy, model, actress, and singer
• Geri Halliwell, singer, songwriter, author, actress, fashion designer, model and television personality
• Jade Thirlwall, singer, songwriter
• Cheryl, singer, television personality, dancer, and author
• Michaela Coel, actress, singer

Special guests

Guests who appeared in episodes, but did not judge on the main stage.

Episode 3

• Raven, runner-up of US Drag Race season two & All Stars season one

Episode 4

• Stacey Dooley, investigative journalist
• Lorraine Kelly, TV presenter

Episode 5

• MNEK, singer

Episode 6

• Katya, contestant on US Drag Race season seven & runner-up on All Stars season two

Episode 8

• AJ & Curtis Pritchard, ballroom dancers

Episodes

No.	Title	Original air date
1	"The Royal Queens"	3 October 2019 (2019-10-03)
The first ten queens from around the UK entered the workroom. RuPaul introduced the queens to the first ever mini-challenge, a headless photoshoot with the Brit Crew. Scaredy Kat won the challenge. For the main challenge, each queen prepared two runway looks for the judges: one based on their hometown, and the other being adaptations of looks by Queen Elizabeth II throughout her life. During the judges' critiques, Baga Chipz, Sum Ting Wong, and The Vivienne were praised for their looks and runway presentations, with the latter queen winning. Cheryl Hole, Gothy Kendoll, and Vinegar Strokes were criticized for their looks, all missing the mark with their Queen Elizabeth looks, while Cheryl was commended for her hometown look. Cheryl was declared safe from the bottom two, whilst Gothy and Vinegar lipsynced against each other to Dua Lipa's "New Rules"; Vinegar won the lip-sync, while Gothy became the first queen to sashay away. Guest Judge: Andrew Garfield Alternating Judges: Alan Carr Mini-Challenge: "Off with your heads" photoshoot Mini-Challenge Winner: Scaredy Kat Main Challenge: The queens must sashay down the runway in a Queen Elizabeth II inspired look, but first they must show another look that proves they are the Queen of their Hometown Challenge Winner: The Vivienne Main Challenge Prize: RuPeter Badge Bottom Two: Gothy Kendoll & Vinegar Strokes Lip Sync Song: "New Rules" by Dua Lipa Eliminated: Gothy Kendoll Farewell message: "Im the UK's Porkchop! Love you, friends for life! x x x Gothy"
2	"Downton Draggy"	10 October 2019 (2019-10-10)
At the start of the episode, previous challenge winner The Vivienne was asked to rank the queens from top to bottom. The Vivienne placed herself first and placed Scaredy Kat last. They were both then declared the team leaders for the challenge. They chose their teams from the remaining queens and each team performed a costume drama sketch for the judges based loosely on Downton Abbey. The theme for the runway was 'Bond girl Glama-o-rama'. Team The Vivienne were declared the winning team, and Baga Chipz was declared the challenge winner. On the losing team, Scaredy, Blu, and Cheryl were critiqued for lacklustre performances, while Divina and Crystal received mostly positive feedback. Blu and Scaredy were placed in the bottom two. The pair then lip-synced to "Venus" by Bananarama; Blu won the lip sync and Scaredy was eliminated from the competition. Guest Judge: Maisie Williams Alternating Judges: Graham Norton Main Challenge: Perform in drag film adaptations of Downton Abbey Runway Theme: Bond Girl Glama-o-rama’ Challenge Winner: Baga Chipz Main Challenge Prize: RuPeter Badge Bottom Two: Blu Hydrangea and Scaredy Kat Lip Sync Song: "Venus" by Bananarama Eliminated: Scaredy Kat Farewell message: "Scaredy the whole way. 19 now, what's gonna happen when I'm 35. :P Thanks girls. Cya later! Meowx"
3	"Posh on a Penny"	17 October 2019 (2019-10-17)
The mini challenge at the start of the episode was a country fair where the queens showed off their dance moves around a maypole - Cheryl was the mini challenge winner. For the main challenge, the queens had to create outfits from car-boot sale items sold by Raven from second season of RuPaul's Drag Race and the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Crystal, The Vivienne and Divina were praised for their runway creations, while Sum Ting, Vinegar and Cheryl were criticised. Divina was declared the winner of the challenge, while Sum Ting and Vinegar were placed in the bottom two. The pair lip-synced to "Would I Lie To You?" by Eurythmics. Sum Ting was declared the winner and Vinegar, having landed in the bottom for the second time, was eliminated from the competition. Guest Judge: Twiggy Special Guest: Raven Alternating Judges: Graham Norton Mini-Challenge: Do some intriguing dance moves around a maypole, whilst music changes. Mini-Challenge Winner: Cheryl Hole Main Challenge: Create a show-stopping outfit from junk found at a car boot sale Challenge Winner: Divina De Campo Main Challenge Prize: RuPeter Badge Bottom Two: Sum Ting Wong and Vinegar Strokes Lip Sync Song: "Would I Lie To You?" by Eurythmics Eliminated: Vinegar Strokes Farewell message: "Long live the OG RPDRUK SLAAAAGS! You're all amazing ♥️ Hodge Podge FOREVER! xxx"
4	"Snatch Game"	24 October 2019 (2019-10-24)
Ru announces that the main challenge will be Snatch Game where the queens have to impersonate different celebrities. Judge Alan Carr joins Ru for his walk through and gives advice to the queens. In the Snatch Game, Lorraine Kelly and Stacey Dooley star as guest judges. Baga plays Margaret Thatcher, Blu impersonates Mary Berry, Cheryl plays Gemma Collins, Crystal impersonates Rue McClanahan, Divina plays Julia Child, Sum Ting impersonates Sir David Attenborough, and The Vivienne plays Donald Trump. On the main stage, the runway theme is genetically-modified drag queens. After the runway, Blu and Cheryl are declared safe and Blu is commended by Ru for her performance in the challenge. Baga and The Vivienne are both praised for their performances in the challenge. However, Crystal, Divina, and Sum Ting are criticized for their performances. Ru then declares both Baga and The Vivienne the challenge winners, and Crystal and Sum Ting are placed in the bottom two. After they lipsync to "Spice Up Your Life" by the Spice Girls, Crystal was declared the winner, and Sum Ting, having landed in the bottom for the second time, was eliminated from the competition. Guest Judge: Geri Horner Guest Snatch Game Participants: Lorraine Kelly & Stacey Dooley Alternating Judges: Alan Carr Main Challenge: Snatch Game - their best celebrity impersonations Runway Theme: Genetically-modified Challenge Winner: Baga Chipz and The Vivienne Main Challenge Prize: RuPeter Badge Bottom Two: Crystal & Sum Ting Wong Lip Sync Song: "Spice Up Your Life" by Spice Girls Eliminated: Sum Ting Wong Farewell message: "Love you ALL! Believe in yourselves more than I believe in me you've got in the bag ♥️ Love you long time xoxo STW"
5	"Girl Group Battle Royale"	31 October 2019 (2019-10-31)
The mini challenge at the start of the episode was a trip to library as Reading is FUNDAMENTAL! Crystal won the mini challenge and chose Cheryl and The Vivienne as part of Filth Harmony while the remaining queens formed The Frock Destroyers. With the help of Grammy-nominated singer and producer MNEK, the two newly formed girl groups record vocals and perform their own versions of the song "Break Up (Bye Bye)". On the main stage, the runway theme is "Day at the Races". After the runway, The Frock Destroyers were the winners of the challenge, with all three members winning the maxi-challenge for the first time in Drag Race history. Cheryl is commended by Ru for her performance in the challenge but is critiqued by Michelle for her runway look. Cheryl is ultimately declared safe, leaving The Vivienne and Crystal in the bottom two. After they lipsync to "Power" by Little Mix, The Vivienne was declared the winner, and Crystal, having landed in the bottom two for the second time, was eliminated from the competition. Guest Judge: Jade Thirlwall Alternating Judges: Graham Norton Mini-Challenge: Reading is Fundamental Mini-Challenge Winner: Crystal Main Challenge: Record vocals and perform in a girl group. Runway Theme: Day at the Races Challenge Winner: Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, and Divina de Campo Main Challenge Prize: RuPeter Badge Bottom Two: Crystal & The Vivienne Lip Sync Song: "Power" by Little Mix Eliminated: Crystal Farewell message: "YOU'RE A BUNCH OF UGLY, TALENTLESS LITTLE WITCHES - I'M GOING TO MISS YOU!! X"
6	"Thirsty Werk"	7 November 2019 (2019-11-07)
Divina is upset with The Vivienne for not acknowledging her as a true drag queen. Ru brings along six Brit crew for the mini challenge. The queens have to guess what's in the pants; Boxers, Briefs or Commando. Divina won the mini challenge. For the maxi challenge, Ru asked them to create an advert and brand themselves by selling bottled water. Instead of a video call (as promised), Divina receives a surprise visit from Katya of RuPaul's Drag Race season 7 and runner up of RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 2. The queens discussed the club night scene in the UK and how to manage anxiety and turbulent emotions mid-competition. On the main stage, the runway theme is "Rainy Day Eleganza". After the runway, The Vivienne won the maxi challenge and Divina was declared safe. Ultimately, Baga is declared safe, leaving Blu and Cheryl Hole in the bottom two. After they lipsync to "Call My Name (Wideboys Remix)" by Cheryl, Cheryl Hole was declared the winner, and Blu, having landed in the bottom two for the second time, was eliminated from the competition. Guest Judge: Cheryl Special Guest: Katya Zamolodchikova Alternating Judges: Graham Norton Mini-Challenge: Boxers, Briefs or Commando Mini-Challenge Winner: Divina de Campo Mini-Challenge Prize: A video call and insider advice from RuPaul's Drag Race Royalty Katya Main Challenge: Marketing and designing one's own brand of bottled water and campaign Challenge Winner: The Vivienne Main Challenge Prize: RuPeter Badge Bottom Two: Cheryl Hole & Blu Hydrangea Lip Sync Song: "Call My Name (Wideboys Remix)" by Cheryl Eliminated: Blu Hydrangea Farewell message: "Not just a look Queen! BLU came, BLU slayed, BLU conquered for N.I.♥️ Love you ALL! BLU Hydrangea ♥️"
7	"Family That Drags Together"	14 November 2019 (2019-11-14)
Ru introduces the mini challenge, a Bitchfest using Puppets - Everybody Loves Puppets! Baga receives The Vivienne, Divina obtains Cheryl, The Vivienne with Divina and Cheryl is left with Baga. Divina wins the mini challenge. For the main challenge, each of the remaining queens has to use her own drag aesthetic to makeover one of their family member as a part of her drag house. Baga and The Vivienne are surprised by their moms while Cheryl and Divina will makeover their sisters. After the runway, Divina wins the maxi challenge and The Vivienne is declared safe. Ultimately, Baga and Cheryl are in the bottom two. After they lipsync to "Tears Dry on Their Own" by Amy Winehouse, Baga is declared the winner, and Cheryl, having landed in the bottom two for the second time, is eliminated from the competition. Guest Judge: Michaela Coel Alternating Judges: Alan Carr Mini-Challenge: Make a caricature of their own peers with a puppet Mini-Challenge Winner: Divina de Campo Main Challenge: Dress one of their family members and decide what their drag name would be Challenge Winner: Divina de Campo Main Challenge Prize: RuPeter Badge Bottom Two: Baga Chipz & Cheryl Hole Lip Sync Song: "Tears Dry on Their Own” by Amy Winehouse Eliminated: Cheryl Hole Farewell message: I'm all gamed out! You're finally get rid of me! Kill it top 3 - So Proud! May the best GIRL win XOXO Cheryl Hole ♥
8	"Grand Finale"	21 November 2019 (2019-11-21)
Ru came in to inform the final three that their last challenge. They would to record a verse to RuPaul's classic song "Rock It (To The Moon)" and perform a group number with a personalised ballroom routine. Each queen got a sit-down podcast session for "What's the Tee? with Ru and Michelle". Baga discussed with her upbringing and relationship with her mom. After the talk, he got hugs from both Ru and Michelle. Divina discuss about her work ethics both back home and in the competition. The Vivienne opened up about his past struggles with party drug ketamine, revealing a four-year spiral ended in him moving to Spain and getting sober. Strictly Come Dancing's choreographer, AJ Pritchard and his brother Curtis (Love Island) choreograph the final three queens with personalised dance routine; Baga was assigned the Tango, Divina received the Cha-Cha and The Vivienne was given the Samba. None of them adapted easily. After the final three Elaganza Extragavanza runway, each girl have to look back and reflect. In Untucked, all eliminated queens surprised the final three for a short reunion. Divina De Campo and The Vivienne were declared the Top Two. After they lipsync to "I'm Your Man" by Wham!, The Vivienne was crowned as the UK's first drag race superstar! Alternating Judges: Alan Carr & Graham Norton Main Challenge: Recording a verse and perform on stage to RuPaul's classic song "Rock It (To The Moon)" Eliminated: Baga Chipz Top Two: Divina De Campo and The Vivienne Lip Sync Song: "I'm Your Man" by Wham! Runner-up: Divina De Campo Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season One: The Vivienne

Reception

The series received very positive reviews from critics, with The Guardian describing the series as having "saved RuPaul's Drag Race" as the recent seasons have had a less than positive reception. In their review of the series, iNews awarded the series "five stars" and described it as a "roaring success", despite criticising its omission of a stand-up comedy challenge.

In a more critical review, Vulture stated in its review of the finale that although the season "may have hit some true highs... it couldn’t save Drag Race from its worst impulses".