- Ten international queens return for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World season 3, premiering 27 January on BBC Three and iPlayer.
- The cast includes three UK representatives and seven global queens from the US, Thailand, Sweden/Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Philippines and Germany.
- A £50,000 cash prize and the title of Queen of the Mothertucking World are on the line.
- Meet the notable contestants, their Drag Race placements and what they bring to the competition.
H2: Series 3 launches with a global cast
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World season 3 returns to BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday 27 January at 9pm, bringing together ten standout queens from across the Drag Race franchise. With international pride, a £50,000 prize and the exalted title of Queen of the Mothertucking World at stake, this spin-off promises big personalities, high fashion and fierce competition.
Watch the Meet the Queens special on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002q714/rupauls-drag-race-uk-vs-the-world-meet-the-queens-3-series-3
H2: Representing the UK
Kate Butch (Series 5, 5th place)
Kate brings theatrical comedy and stage experience. Known for acting wins and a memorable Snatch Game, they describe their aesthetic as “glamour and camp: glamping.”
Sminty Drop (Series 4, 9th place)
Sminty is praised for avant‑garde runways and her now-iconic “sad-twerk” exit. She’s returned with a combative edge and high-fashion instincts.
Zahirah Zapanta (Series 6, 10th place)
A Filipino‑British beauty queen and skilled seamstress, Zahirah blends pageant glamour with club kid energy and promises a tougher, more strategic return.
H2: The world stage — global contenders
Mariah Balenciaga (USA)
An OG of the ballroom and Drag Race franchise, Mariah first appeared on the US series and returned for All Stars. She’s a seasoned performer aiming for “Mariah 3.0.”
Gawdland (Thailand)
A finalist on Drag Race Thailand, Gawdland delivers razor‑sharp looks and high‑octane performances. He’s entering the UK arena intent on winning.
Fontana (Sweden/Brazil)
This Brazilian‑born, Sweden‑based performer reached the final in their series with bold, colourful looks and curated showmanship.
Melinda Verga (Canada)
A classic showgirl with a Snatch Game win under his belt, Melinda is known for dramatic moments and unfiltered interviews — and a readiness to play the game.
Serena Morena (Mexico)
From Drag Race Mexico, Serena brings cheeky charisma, shock value and a party‑ready attitude — and she’s not afraid to stir things up.
Minty Fresh (Philippines)
A frontrunner on Drag Race Philippines, Minty mixes polished face‑work with big production numbers and vows to be a headliner.
The Only Naomy (Germany)
A statuesque model‑inspired queen from Drag Race Germany, Naomy is noted for makeup artistry and an edgy fashion sensibility.
H2: What to expect
Expect high‑stakes runway looks, lip syncs, design and acting challenges, plus strategic gameplay as experienced and new‑to‑the‑UK queens clash. The mix of comedy, ballroom, pageant and runway expertise makes this series a global showcase of contemporary drag.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World season 3 arrives on BBC Three and iPlayer on 27 January. Tune in to see who will be crowned Queen of the Mothertucking World.
Image Referance: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/rupauls-drag-race-uk-vs-the-world-series-3-queens
