Meet the Queens interview... Banksie

Tell us about yourself?

Hi, I'm Banksie. I'm 23 years old, and I'm the seven foot supermodel of Manchester.

Describe yourself in five words?

Long, big, tall, huge, massive!

How does it feel to be on Series 5 of Drag Race UK?

I feel like I'm in a dream come true!

What are your drag inspirations?

My inspirations originate from fashion in the early 90s to the 2000s. I love Thierry Mugler, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier and Paul Galliano. I love researching fashion and then finding a way to make it work on my body.

Tell us about your drag name?

My surname is Banks, and so naturally ‘Banksie’ became my nickname, but I’m also inspired by “the other Banksy” – the guerrilla artist. Banksy completely threw the art world into a spin with their unique art and I too aspire to do something unique with my art.

Why drag?

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.

You’re from the same Manchester drag family as Drag Race UK finalist, Cheddar Gorgeous. Tell us more?

Yes, I’m of the Family Gorgeous and I like to describe myself as the bin baby of the family - I run around being a bit of a prat.

What makes you unique?
I can be silly, I can be funny, I can be gorgeous, I can be serious... I can do it all!

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series 5 will air on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer soon.