BBC Three will show the first-ever Canadian version of the award-winning RuPaul’s Drag Race.
From the makers of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Canada’s Drag Race (10x60') will be showcasing a fine array of vivacious and talented queens and BBC Three will be the only place to view it in the UK - exclusively on iPlayer.

Twelve of the best drag artistes from Canada’s vibrant Drag scene will compete for the title of 'Canada’s First Drag Superstar', and with elements of both the iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race, and the hugely successful Drag Race UK, this series promises to follow in their footsteps.

RuPaul says: "Canada’s Drag Race airing on BBC is further proof that self-expression, creativity and the tenacity of the human spirit resonates around the globe.”

The judging panel is a fierce combination of sharp wit, drag knowledge and looks and an introduction to Canada’s coolest. Three permanent judges reside on the panel who include Drag Race series 11 alumni Brooke Lynn Hytes, model and LGBQT+ activist Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, and supermodel and TV personality Stacey McKenzie and each week they will be joined by a celebrity guest host. Viewers can also expect a cameo appearance from RuPaul’s Drag Race judge, Michelle Visage who will appear as a guest judge.

Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race will not be disappointed. As per the mothership, the major elements of the award-winning franchise are intact. Her majesty, RuPaul delivers his weekly cryptic challenge by Rumail to twelve queens, who all enter the werkroom in the full knowledge that they are entering the Olympics of Drag. Not only do they need to serve their finest drag looks, but they will need to sing, dance, act, improv, tuck, sew, glue, beat, work in teams, work alone, throw shade, death drop, and lip sync for their lives if they are to avoid the weekly elimination, and hear “shantay you stay”.

Although now, it has an additional Canadian spin, the cult status lexicon remains, and of course, charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent are the key judging criteria. Most importantly, the characteristics that differentiate this franchise from its other competitive reality counterparts are a major ingredient in the Canadian version. The mirror chats, the werkroom solidarity, the warmth, the outrageous wit, the friendships, the untucking, and the sharing of personal struggles and journeys are also at the heart of this new sisterhood, adding an extra special insight into Canadian LGBTQ+ culture and the Canadian Drag Scene.

Fenton Bailey, co-founder of World of Wonder, says: “Think you know Canada? Think again! These queens bring the true North and fierce, showing that the universal art of drag is unique to every culture.”

Fiona Campbell, Controller, BBC Three says: “We’re very excited that BBC Three will be the only place in the UK to watch the first ever Canada’s Drag Race and to be working with World of Wonder again. With a brilliant combination of contestants, judges and challenges, it has all the ingredients of a spectacularly fun series - get ready to fall in love with these Canadian Queens!”

The Canadian drag scene may not be familiar to UK audiences, but this series will illustrate that there is indeed a varied and exceptional talent pool, with a similar sense of fun and humour to the British Drag Scene. Who knew?! Standby for a new chapter for the Drag Race herstory books.

Transmitted weekly in line with Canada and the US, viewers can expect a serving of fresh Canadian bacon each week. The series is a production for World of Wonder, produced by Blue Ant Studios in association with Crave, a division of Bell Media.

BBC Three will release the ten-part series weekly on BBC iPlayer, launching every Friday from July 3.

In association with Crave, Canada’s Drag Race is a 10x60’ production by Blue Ant Studios. World of Wonder’s Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, and Tom Campbell serve as Executive Producers. RuPaul serves as Executive Producer. Executive producers for Blue Ant Studios include Betty Orr, Michael Kot and Laura Michalchyshyn with Mike Bickerton acting as Showrunner. Robin Johnston is Director, Original Production, Factual, Bell Media. Production Executive for Bell Media is Danielle Pearson. Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Original Programming, Bell Media. Justin Stockman is Vice-President, Brand Partnerships and Client Strategy, Bell Media. Tracey Pearce is President, Distribution and Pay, Bell Media. Randy Lennox is President, Bell Media. It was acquired by Fiona Campbell, Controller for BBC Three and Kate Phillips, Controller for BBC Entertainment. Ruby Kuraishe is the Commissioning Editor for the BBC.