Drag Race UK Returns For Season 5 & The Star-Studded Judge List Is Fire

Blimey!Drag Race UK season five is officially on the way! It feels like it’s been ages since we crossed the pond in search of the queen with the most charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, but thankfully that wait is almost over.

The wildly popular series returns for its fifth season this fall on WOWPresents Plus in the US and select territories worldwide, day and date with its local airing on BBC3 in the UK.

While we haven’t gotten to meet the queens just yet, World of Wonder is spilling all the piping hot Earl Gray about nine of the extra special guest judges and celebrity cameos headed this way. And let’s just say they are extra special indeed.

Among those joining Mama Ru and her judging table besties Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, and Graham Norton this time around are comedian, actor, and writer Aisling Bea, who jumped at the chance to return for season five. “Needless to say they did not have to DRAG me back to be a judge. This season the contestants all blew me away with their incredible talent. What an honor to be back!” she said in a statement. Heartstopper and Doctor Who star Yasmin Finney was delighted to be included in the upcoming season. “I’m a guest judge and it feels out of this world! I felt like I was on another planet during filming… “Planet Joy!” she said. Also headed to the panel are pop star, stage star, and singer-songwriter Alexandra Burke; Actor and OBE, and pithy legal eagle from The Good Wife, Cush Jumbo; designer, actor, producer, and musician, Daphne Guinness; actor, comedian, and presenter of the upcoming BBC TV series Survivor, Joel Dommett; supermodel and London fashion icon, Kristen McMenamy; pop icon and singer-songwriter, Sophie-Ellis Bextor; and BAFTA Award-winning stage, film and television actor, Suranne Jones.

Oh did you think that was all? Nope, this season will also feature several fabulous celebrity cameos throughout the competition, including Vogue royalty Edward Enninful OBE who stops by the Werk Room with Ru to help the queens and offer his fashion advice in a design challenge — and reportedly, he also brings along a furry friend.

For this season’s Snatch Game, the queens get a little help from celebrity players Carol Vorderman and Alexandra Burke as they offer up their best Blankety Blanks.

Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer arrives to help get the queens dancing with her choreography and coaching skills as she mentors them during the iconic Rusical challenge.

And finally, choreographer to the stars Claudimar Neto leads the final queens through an all singing all dancing number for the Finale Eleganza Extravaganza.

We can’t wait to see how this turns out!