Drag Race UK Season 8 Cast: Meet the Queens, From Mermaids to Drag Veterans

Key Points

• Drag Race UK is set to come back for its eighth season in the autumn of 2026.
• The new cast has been announced as 12 queens from all over the UK.
• RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton will be making a return to the judging panel.
• The cast features some new talent from Brighton, Birmingham, Belfast, Darlington, London, Staffordshire, Manchester, the Wirral, Essex, Dudley and Hastings.
• With a background in marine biology, Coral-Hole Mandi’s drag style is mermaid-inspired.
• The Delta Quadrant says she is a businesswoman queen who likes to dress in power clothes such as shoulder pads and tailored suits.
• KY Kelly, 42, is a newcomer to the fray, hoping to represent older and wiser divas and demonstrate the cabaret scene.
• Lucky Roy Singh assures a glamorous and playful style with culture, heritage and history.
• Paris Baby claims she can do 60 numbers in a row and will make a point of making a difference in the competition.
• Other cast members include Anita Piss, Flesh, ma_danni_x, Mocha, Naya Thorn and Tequila Thirst.
• The queens have called their drag styles “theatrical,” “glamorous,” “funny,” “cartoonish,” “culturally inspired” and “politically creative.
• The new season will see the contestants compete for the chance to become the UK’s next Drag Race superstar.

London (BritainToday News) August 11, 2026 – The reality competition has announced the eclectic group of queens who will be put through their paces by returning judges RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton. The latest cast promises a mixture of established performers, character-led entertainers, comedy queens, theatre artists and drag entertainers with distinctive personal identities.

An official press release described the contestants as

“a fresh batch of 12 sassy, snatched and seriously talented queens ready to race for glory”.

The cast members themselves have also offered an early indication of the personalities, aesthetics and performance styles they will bring to the competition.

With contestants ranging in age from 24 to 48, the eighth season will feature a broad range of experiences. Some queens are entering the programme with ambitions to challenge perceptions of drag, while others are focused on performance, fashion, comedy, cabaret, heritage and audience connection.

When will Drag Race UK season eight return?

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is expected to return in autumn 2026, although the supplied announcement does not provide a specific premiere date. The cast reveal marks the beginning of the promotional campaign for the eighth season and gives audiences their first opportunity to meet the queens competing for the title.

The series has become a major platform for British drag performers, offering contestants the opportunity to introduce their styles to a national and international audience. The new cast reflects the range of drag scenes found across the UK, with queens representing cities and regions including Brighton, Birmingham, Belfast, Darlington, London, Staffordshire, Manchester, the Wirral, Essex, Dudley and Hastings.

The contestants’ introductory statements suggest that the new season will combine comedy, glamour, emotional performance, cultural identity and strong visual storytelling. Several queens have also indicated that their personal backgrounds will influence their presentation on the show.

The programme will once again be led by RuPaul, with Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton returning to the judging panel. Their combined experience is expected to bring a mixture of technical critique, performance insight, humour and entertainment to the competition.

Who is competing on season eight?

The season eight cast consists of Anita Piss, Coral-Hole Mandi, The Delta Quadrant, Flesh, KY Kelly, Lucky Roy Singh, ma_danni_x, Mocha, Naya Thorn, Paris Baby and Tequila Thirst, alongside a further Brighton-based queen whose introductory statement focuses on breaking the city’s difficult record on the programme.

The cast includes contestants aged between 24 and 48. That age range creates one of the most varied groups assembled for the competition, bringing together queens at different stages of their drag careers.

Some contestants present themselves as highly polished entertainers, while others have developed drag personas based on character, storytelling or a particular creative discipline. The result is a line-up that appears deliberately varied, with each queen offering a different interpretation of what contemporary British drag can be.

The performers have also made clear that they are not entering the series with identical ambitions. For some, winning would represent personal recognition. For others, the competition is a chance to represent their communities, challenge stereotypes or demonstrate that drag can be both visually spectacular and socially meaningful.

What does the Brighton queen bring to the competition?

The 29-year-old queen from Brighton enters the competition determined to challenge the city’s previous record on Drag Race UK. She said: “Brighton girlies have not had the best track record on Drag Race UK, but I’m here to smash that curse.”

The performer added that she is “infamous in Brighton”, regularly appearing at one of the city’s biggest gay clubs. Her confidence was clear as she declared: “I am an icon.”

Her comments position her as a queen with strong local recognition and a clear sense of self-belief. Brighton has a well-known LGBTQ+ nightlife and performance culture, and she will be hoping to translate that experience into the challenges, runway presentations and lip-sync performances required by the series.

Her stated goal is not simply to take part. By describing herself as an icon and promising to break the so-called Brighton curse, she has already established a competitive narrative before the season begins.

Why does Anita Piss believe she can win?

Anita Piss, 37, comes from Birmingham and says she deserves to become the UK’s next Drag Race superstar because she is bringing something different to the competition.

“I deserve to be the UK’s next Drag Race superstar because I am bringing something completely different that you all ain’t ever seen before.”

She said.

The Birmingham queen also emphasised the importance of composure and presentation. She described her approach as being “cool, calm, collected” while maintaining poise and a good demeanour.

That combination could become an important part of her identity during the competition. Drag Race contestants are often required to balance performance intensity with quick decision-making, teamwork and the ability to respond to criticism. Anita Piss’s focus on calmness suggests that she sees self-control as one of her major strengths.

Her statement also indicates that she wants to surprise viewers. Rather than relying solely on a familiar drag formula, she has promised to deliver an approach that she believes audiences have not previously seen on the programme.

How is Coral-Hole Mandi inspired by the sea?

Coral-Hole Mandi, 27, is from Belfast and describes her drag as “mer-mazing”. Her character is strongly influenced by her love of the sea and her background in marine biology.

“If I had to describe my genre of drag, I would say I’m mer-mazing!”

She said.

“My drag is very much inspired by my love of the sea and my background in marine biology.”

She explained that she grew up fascinated by the ocean, sea creatures and mermaids.

“I always knew I wanted to be a mermaid or a creature from the deep one day.”

She added.

Her concept offers one of the clearest visual identities in the season eight line-up. Marine life, underwater environments and mythical sea creatures provide a wide range of possibilities for costumes, make-up, character work and runway design.

Coral-Hole Mandi’s background also gives her concept a personal foundation. Her mermaid-inspired presentation is not simply an aesthetic choice; it is connected to her academic and emotional relationship with the natural world. That combination may allow her to develop a distinctive character throughout the season.

What is The Delta Quadrant’s business-inspired drag?

The Delta Quadrant, aged 32, comes from Darlington and describes herself as a character-led queen with a highly recognisable signature appearance.

“I represent a rare type of character-led drag.”

She said.

“I have one signature distinct look. I love power dressing, shoulder pads, tailored suits, and I always sashay into the boardroom with my signature bob!”

Her drag persona is built around the imagery of corporate authority and business presentation. Rather than presenting a constantly changing collection of styles, she says she has created one distinctive look that defines her character.

The Delta Quadrant also used the cast announcement to celebrate her home city.

“I am so excited to be here representing the undisputed financial capital of the UK, Darlington. Let’s get down to business!”

She said.

Her references to the boardroom, power dressing and business language suggest that comedy will be central to her performance. At the same time, the character could offer opportunities for polished fashion and structured silhouettes, particularly in challenges requiring branding, presentation or leadership.

What does Flesh want to say about drag?

Flesh, 25, is from London and views drag as a creative practice capable of making a wider social impact.

“I want to remind people that drag is creative and powerful, but it’s more than dressing up,”

Flesh said.

“We can create positive change, and we can do so whilst looking amazing.”

The London queen’s statement places creativity and social influence at the centre of her participation. While visual presentation remains an important part of drag, Flesh wants audiences to recognise the art form as something with the power to communicate ideas and encourage positive change.

Her approach could become particularly significant in challenges involving storytelling, campaigning, public speaking or the creation of original characters. She appears intent on combining visual ambition with a broader message about the role of drag in society.

At 25, Flesh is among the younger queens in the cast, but her comments demonstrate a clear understanding of the cultural and political possibilities of the form. Her challenge will be to communicate those ideas while meeting the demanding entertainment standards of the competition.

Why is KY Kelly representing mature divas?

KY Kelly, 42, comes from Staffordshire and describes herself as “the full package”. She is entering the competition with a specific objective: to represent older and more mature drag performers.

“I am the full package.”

She said.

“I want to win this competition as a win for the older, more mature divas, and showcase the cabaret scene.”

KY Kelly also used a playful reference to her name while outlining her approach to the competition.

“I’m going to slide into this competition and make you want a little bit more KY,”

She said.

Her presence gives the cast a strong connection to the cabaret tradition. Cabaret performers often combine singing, comedy, audience interaction, character work and stagecraft, all of which could become valuable skills during the competition.

Her comments also underline the importance of representation. By describing a potential victory as a win for older divas, KY Kelly is placing her participation within a wider conversation about age, experience and visibility in drag.

The competition will test whether her cabaret background can translate into the varied challenges of Drag Race UK. However, her confidence suggests that she is ready to use her experience as an advantage rather than treating age as a limitation.

How does Lucky Roy Singh combine East and West?

Lucky Roy Singh, 36, is from Manchester and says her drag is shaped by culture, heritage and history. She describes her aesthetic as “very much East meets West”.

“My aesthetic is culture, heritage, history.”

Lucky Roy Singh said.

“It’s very much East meets West. I’m very glamorous and playful, but beware, Lucky is shady but kind.”

Her statement combines elegance with a warning that she will not be afraid to deliver sharp humour. The phrase “shady but kind” suggests a queen who intends to balance playful criticism with warmth.

Lucky Roy Singh’s cultural approach could inform her fashion, make-up, performance choices and storytelling. The reference to East meeting West indicates that she views her drag as a meeting point between different influences rather than a single, fixed style.

Her Manchester background may also contribute to her confidence as a live performer. The city has a prominent nightlife and LGBTQ+ scene, and Lucky Roy Singh will be hoping to bring that experience to the national stage.

What makes ma_danni_x one of the experienced queens?

ma_danni_x, 48, is from the Wirral and is the oldest contestant in the season eight cast. She says she has worked hard to earn her place in the competition and wants to prove that she can become the ultimate winner.

“I deserve my place in this fabulous competition, I’ve worked so hard to be here, and I want to prove to the nation that I can be the ultimate winner on this massive platform.”

She said.

She also described herself as an icon, adding:

“Look at her, she’s an icon!”

ma_danni_x did not shy away from the competitive nature of the programme.

“But if I have to play dirty, to win the competition, I’ll play dirty,”

She said. She then added that she is “a true professional” and “a very experienced lady”.

Her comments present her as a confident and strategic competitor. She understands that the programme is not only a showcase for performance but also a demanding contest in which contestants must make decisions under pressure.

Her experience could be particularly useful in group challenges, live performance tasks and situations requiring a strong sense of professionalism. At the same time, her willingness to “play dirty” introduces an element of unpredictability to her character.

Why is Mocha inspired by Soho and East London?

Mocha, 26, comes from Essex and describes her style as a combination of polished London nightlife and East London energy.

“I’m Soho perfection blended with East London grit,”

She said.

“Mocha is a good time girl who’s a little bit kooky.”

Her drag is focused on a cartoonish appearance, vintage influences and the glamour of the showgirl. She also cited musical theatre and Barbra Streisand as major inspirations.

“My drag is all about looking cartoonish, and I also love musical theatre – Barbra Streisand is my icon.”

Mocha said.

She described herself as fashionable and funny, arguing that the combination makes her “sickening”. Her statement suggests that she will approach the competition with a lively, visually exaggerated persona.

Mocha’s influences give her several possible strengths. Cartoon-inspired drag can create memorable silhouettes and expressive make-up, while musical theatre experience can support vocal performance, character work and comic timing. Her challenge will be to ensure that her visual identity remains flexible enough to meet the changing demands of the competition.

What kind of theatre does Naya Thorn perform?

Naya Thorn, 24, is from Dudley and describes herself as a performer focused on theatrical emotion and connection with an audience.

“If you come to a Naya Thorn show, you’re going to get a theatre performance that is going to make you feel every emotion.”

She said.

She explained that the audience’s emotions will depend on the song, but she always chooses music that means something to her.

“I just really enjoy connecting with an audience,”

She added.

Naya Thorn’s approach is rooted in storytelling. Rather than relying only on visual spectacle or comedy, she wants her performances to create an emotional journey.

That could prove useful in musical and lip-sync challenges, where contestants must communicate feeling through movement, expression and song choice. Her emphasis on meaningful music also suggests that personal interpretation will be central to her drag.

As the youngest queen in the cast, Naya Thorn will be competing against performers with considerably more experience. However, her focus on theatre and emotional connection could provide a distinctive strength if she can turn that ambition into memorable performances.

Can Paris Baby really perform 60 numbers?

Paris Baby, 27, comes from Hastings and enters the competition with an extraordinary claim about her stamina as a performer.

“Nobody else in the UK can do what I do,”

She said.

“I can perform 60 numbers back-to-back, as long as I’ve got my wind machine, and my wig doesn’t come off, I’ll just keep going.”

Her statement is an expression of confidence, endurance and theatrical commitment. The wind machine and wig reference also suggest that visual presentation will be an important part of her performance identity.

Paris Baby said she intends to make a lasting impression on the series.

“I will definitely leave my mark, my impact, and Drag Race UK will forever be changed because of Paris Baby. Period,”

She said.

The claim sets a high standard for her appearance on the programme. Viewers will be watching to see whether her live performance energy can be matched by her runway looks, comedy, acting and design skills.

Her confidence could help her stand out from the beginning, but it may also create pressure. A queen who promises to change the competition must deliver consistently across multiple challenges.

How will Tequila Thirst use colour and culture?

Tequila Thirst, 39, is from London and describes herself as a bright, energetic performer with a strong interest in colour.

“Tequila is a ray of sunshine who cannot be suppressed,”

She said.

“Obviously, with a name like Tequila, I’m the confessed queen of limes.”

She said her preferred palette includes “juicy greens, hot pinks and bright citrus colours”. These descriptions suggest that her drag will be highly visual, with bold colours playing a central role in her overall presentation.

Tequila Thirst also identified herself as a Vietnamese North Londoner and explained that her identity subtly informs her drag.

“I am a Vietnamese North Londoner, and my identity subtly informs my drag.”

She said.

“I’m here on this platform to shine bright, like a tequila glass.”

Her statement combines cultural identity with a playful and accessible visual concept. The use of citrus colours could give her a clear signature on the runway, while her background may provide further depth to her storytelling.

At 39, Tequila Thirst also brings experience to a cast that includes both younger performers and mature contestants. She will aim to turn her optimism, colour and personal identity into performances that remain memorable throughout the competition.
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What can viewers expect from the new season?

The season eight cast appears to offer a broad range of drag styles and performance backgrounds. Coral-Hole Mandi has developed a sea-inspired identity based on marine biology, while The Delta Quadrant has built a character around business attire and boardroom authority.

Flesh wants to present drag as a creative force capable of creating positive change. KY Kelly is entering as a representative of older divas and the cabaret scene. Lucky Roy Singh is bringing an East-meets-West aesthetic shaped by culture and heritage.

The other contestants also bring clearly defined identities. The Brighton queen wants to overturn her city’s difficult record on the programme. Anita Piss promises something different and places emphasis on composure. ma_danni_x arrives with experience and a willingness to compete aggressively.

Mocha combines cartoon visuals, vintage fashion, showgirl glamour and musical theatre. Naya Thorn is focused on emotional storytelling and audience connection. Paris Baby is promising high-energy performances, while Tequila Thirst is preparing to deliver a bright, colourful and culturally informed style.

The variety within the cast is likely to create contrasting approaches to the competition. Some queens may excel in performance-based challenges, while others could stand out through fashion, comedy, acting, design or group leadership.

The returning judging panel will also bring its established dynamic to the season. RuPaul will lead the competition, with Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton offering their responses to the queens’ performances and presentations.

Who will become the next UK Drag Race superstar?

The cast announcement does not reveal which queen will win season eight. At this stage, each contestant is presenting a confident case for why she deserves to take the crown.

Several queens have already established strong personal narratives. Coral-Hole Mandi is the mermaid-inspired performer with a marine biology background. The Delta Quadrant is the boardroom queen from Darlington. KY Kelly is competing for mature divas, while ma_danni_x is relying on experience and professional confidence.

Paris Baby has made perhaps the boldest performance promise, saying that the programme will be changed because of her presence. Naya Thorn, meanwhile, is taking a more emotional route by focusing on songs that carry personal meaning.

The competition will ultimately test more than a queen’s ability to create a striking look. Contestants will need to demonstrate versatility, teamwork, humour, acting ability, performance skill, confidence and resilience.

The queens will also have to respond to the pressure of being judged week after week. A distinctive identity may help a contestant make an early impression, but the eventual winner will need to show that her drag can evolve.

With the eighth season scheduled to return in autumn 2026, audiences now have their first look at the performers competing for the title. The twelve queens have each promised something different, from mermaids and power suits to cabaret, theatre, colour, heritage and high-energy entertainment.

Their statements have set the tone for a season built around individuality. The next stage will be seeing which of them can turn those promises into performances strong enough to survive the race.