Interview - Graham Norton
Why do you think Drag Race has taken off so much in the UK?
I'm so happy that the UK has embraced Drag Race in this way. I think it is for the same reasons as the rest of the world, it's funny, fabulous and fierce - but it all comes with more heart and vulnerability than I've ever seen in any reality competition. I think that is what makes it so very special.
“Season Three is extreme. There are incredible highs and then howling lows when a certain RuPaul is not a happy Mama. I loved it! “
The last series got a lot of people through lockdown… How did it feel to be providing a public service through drag entertainment?
Providing service through any kind of entertainment is great - but I think what made Drag Race even more important was that it wasn't just distracting and delighting viewers in the moment, but it was also reminding them of a time when they could go out, dress up, and be in the bar or the club with their favourite queens….
What were your favourite or standout moments from last series?
Do you really need to ask? "No more f**king H&M!" I was on the panel that day. It was epic in every way.
Did you have any predictions for the top, when you first saw the cast of series two?
I think I always knew that Lawrence would do well, but for me the biggest surprise was Biminni. She seemed very rough around the edges at the start of the series and then transformed into an absolute superstar. It was great to watch.
How Is British Drag evolving?
British drag is becoming much harder. It used to be that you could get by with a wig and a couple of frocks and a backing tape. Now - really due to Drag Race - audiences demand so much more. They expect stunning fashion, reveals, acrobatics, the lot!
What’s coming in series three?
Season Three is extreme. There are incredible highs and then howling lows when a certain RuPaul is not a happy Mama. I loved it!
This season has the greatest variety of queens we've seen, not just in ages and styles, but in other more surprising ways as well - no spoilers!
What is the talent like from the queens this year?
These queens are funny! I laughed a lot, but there are also some really amazing looks, great performance skills. I think there are more triple threats on this show than we have ever seen before.
Interview courtesy of our friends at the BBC.
Imagery credit BBC, World of Wonder, Guy Levy