BBC Ends 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' After Season 8, Show Moves to Streaming
The BBC announced on September 10, 2026 that it is ending production of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, with the show's run on BBC Three and iPlayer concluding after the eighth season, which had just begun airing the week before. A BBC spokesperson cited "significant financial pressures" at the broadcaster, calling the show groundbreaking and thanking RuPaul, production company World of Wonder, and the cast and crew. According to NME, the franchise will continue on World of Wonder's own streaming platform, Wow Presents Plus.
What was announced
- Show ending on BBC: RuPaul's Drag Race UK (BBC Three / iPlayer)
- End point: after the currently airing eighth season concludes
- Reason given: BBC budget cuts amid significant financial pressures
- New home: Wow Presents Plus, operated by World of Wonder
- UK's first-ever All Stars season: premiering autumn 2027 on Wow Presents Plus
The UK edition is hosted by RuPaul with judges Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, and Graham Norton. Past guest judges have included FKA twigs and Years & Years' Olly Alexander, along with JADE. Season 8's guest judges are Michelle de Swarte, Cat Burns, and Rick Astley.
Eight seasons, a string of breakout stars
At its peak, the UK series drew 1.5 million viewers per episode and helped launch the careers of queens including The Vivienne, La Voix, Bimini Bon Boulash, Tia Kofi, and Danny Beard. The wider Drag Race franchise, which began in the US in 2009, has since expanded across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, alongside the crossover competition UK vs The World.
Season 1 UK champion The Vivienne (born James Lee Williams) died in 2025 from the effects of ketamine use. The performer's stage name was drawn from designer Vivienne Westwood, reflecting a long-standing love of the label's clothing.
What we don't know yet
The report does not specify a premiere date for Season 8 beyond it having begun airing the week of the announcement, nor details on how many episodes or queens the upcoming All Stars season will feature.