RuPaul's Drag Race UK axed by BBC!

The BBC has dropped Drag Race UK after eight series due to financial pressures, but the show's getting a new home on WOW Presents Plus — and for the first time ever, a UK All Stars edition.

RuPaul's Drag Race UK is leaving the BBC and moving to streaming platform WOW Presents Plus, after the broadcaster axed the show as part of major cuts. The franchise will return in autumn 2027 with the first ever RuPaul's Drag Race UK: All Stars.

A BBC spokesperson said the corporation had to "make some very difficult choices" due to financial pressures, confirming that Drag Race UK would be leaving for WOW Presents Plus. The statement added that the BBC is "incredibly proud" of all eleven series.

For the first time, UK subscribers will be able to stream all eight seasons of Drag Race UK and all three seasons of Drag Race UK vs The World on the platform. The move means British fans will finally get the back catalogue at home, rather than just on iPlayer.

Season 8, which just launched on BBC Three, scored the second-highest-rated premiere in the franchise's history with an 8.8 IMDB rating. Viewership was also up 20% on WOW Presents Plus. The current series will continue airing on BBC Three and iPlayer as planned.

It comes as the BBC announced in march that I Kissed A Girl would be its last, ending the I Kissed franchise after four groundbreaking seasons, saying the series had been axed "in light of our funding challenges". I Kissed A Boy launched in 2023 as the UK's first gay dating programme, followed by I Kissed A Girl for lesbian and bisexual daters.

World of Wonder producers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato said in a statement: "It has been a pleasure working with everyone at The BBC, and we wish them well. While we don't get to choose when opportunity knocks, we could not be more excited for this new chapter."

The producers also acknowledged the challenging climate for the community, saying: "Historically, during times of anxiety and regression, the queer, trans and drag communities are often targeted. Today is no exception." They described Drag Race as "more than just a fiercely entertaining show" and "a lifeline, a safe space, and a celebration" for millions.

WOW Presents Plus is World of Wonder's subscription streaming service, which already distributes international versions of the Drag Race franchise. The platform offers a seven-day free trial for new subscribers.