The BBC has confirmed that RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is to leave the broadcaster after eight main series. The move marks the end of a partnership between the corporation and production company World of Wonder.
The eighth series will be the final instalment to debut on BBC Three and iPlayer. From next year, future iterations of the competition will move exclusively to a paid-for streaming service as part of wider cost-cutting measures at the broadcaster.
Where to watch future series
From 2027, viewers will require a subscription to the streaming platform WOW Presents Plus to watch new UK episodes. World of Wonder has confirmed that a new format, Drag Race UK All Stars, is already scheduled to premiere on the platform in autumn 2027.
BBC budget cuts and programming shifts
The decision to end the BBC’s involvement with the franchise is driven by a requirement to deliver £500 million in savings across its programming and content divisions.
The Drag Race brand continues to maintain a high profile in the UK entertainment industry. Jinkx Monsoon, a prominent winner of the American version of the show, is currently starring in the play Oh, Mary! at London’s Trafalgar Theatre until 26 September 2026. The show’s influence on mainstream television was also noted in 2025, when Series 6 runner-up La Voix appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing.