Flesh Wins Drag Race UK as BBC Axes Show Over Budget Cuts
Flesh was crowned the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK's eighth and final BBC series, taking a £25,000 prize. The BBC confirmed the show's cancellation due to budget cuts during the finale broadcast.
Flesh, a 26-year-old London queen, won the eighth series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK on Thursday night. The BBC used the finale to announce the show's axing, citing significant financial pressures and budget cuts.
Twelve queens entered the competition 10 weeks ago. The final four were Alik from Brighton, Flesh from London, Mocha from Essex, and Naya Thorn from Dudley. After a final challenge and catwalk, the top four was reduced to a final three. Flesh, Mocha, and Naya Thorn then competed in a lip-sync battle to David Bowie's 'Modern Love'. RuPaul declared Flesh the winner. She had never been in the bottom two throughout the entire series, lip-syncing for the first time in that final battle.
The winner received a £25,000 cash prize. Last year's winner, Bones, who is Flesh's best friend and drag sister from the same performance duo, presented the crown and sceptre. Flesh said the moment with Bones was everything she had ever dreamed of and more.
BBC Cancellation Announcement
The BBC confirmed Drag Race UK would not return after this eighth series. The announcement was made during the finale episode. The corporation cited 'very difficult choices' amid 'significant financial pressures' and cost-cutting across its commissioning budget. No further detail on the decision was given. The UK edition will move to Wow Presents Plus, a subscription streaming platform owned by the production company.
Flesh's Concerns About the Shift
Flesh expressed concern that leaving the BBC for a subscription platform could reduce exposure for drag. She warned it might limit opportunities for the UK drag industry. "Without that exposure, there will be less demand and with less demand and less exposure, events won't be able to be created," Flesh said. She also suggested the move could allow the show to feature a wider range of performers and subcultures.
Series Highlights and Reactions
The judging panel for the series consisted of RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, and Graham Norton. Paris Baby was awarded the Miss Congeniality title by a secret cast vote. Flesh's runway looks were praised by RuPaul as historically memorable.
On social media, runner-up Mocha posted that she was "so proud" of herself. She added that while she wanted to believe the win was hers, she respected the decision made.
Flesh encouraged people to connect with their local drag community to evolve performances and bring in new audiences.
