World of Wonder has revealed that Michelle Visage will replace RuPaul as host of the upcoming episode of Drag Race UK. On 28 October, the beloved series uploaded a teaser trailer for episode seven to announce the shocking news. “For the first time in Drag Race herstory, the judges have taken control,” the narrator says.
The video then switches over to a regal-looking Visage, who delivers her very first intro as Drag Race UK’s temporary host. “Welcome to the main stage of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, RuPaul is unable to join us tonight,” she explains.
Alongside Visage’s new role, Emmy-winning makeup artist Raven will be sitting on the judges’ panel, making her the first former Drag Race contestant to serve on a RuPaul-led show.
Towards the end of the video, Visage is heard saying RuPaul’s iconic line “sashay away,” after the narrator teases the most “shocking elimination [that] no one will see coming.” Shortly after the teaser was released, fans flocked to social media to express their feelings on the host change.