RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4: Celebrity judges, start date and how to watch

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4 is back as we look at all you need to know

RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 4 contestants
(Image credit: BBC Pictures)

RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 4 is back and there's another stellar list of celebrities lined up to join RuPaul to judge this year's glitz, glamour and fun.

A new set of drag queens will be competing for the coveted title of UK's Next Drag Race Superstar and each week they will face challenges that test their drag skills to the max.

If you love reality shows that feature challenges like Married At First Sight, or I'm A Celebrity then you'll love RuPaul's Drag Race UK and here's all you need to know...

Who are the judges on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4?

The judges on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4 are RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, and Graham Norton plus the following celebrity judges; actress and activist Dame Joanna Lumley, TV presenter Alison Hammond, actress Hannah Waddingham, singer-songwriter Boy George, iconic fashion model and celebrity chef Lorraine Pascale, Spice Girls member Mel B, model, presenter and influencer Leomie Anderson, singer and actor Olly Alexander and singer-songwriter FKA twigs.

Speaking about her starring role, Dame Joanna Lumley said, "It thrills me to be a part of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The show is astounding at every level, and I loved it from the very start. RuPaul is the definition of what it is to be fabulous, and the show is packed with mad creativity, humour, and drop-dead glamour.”

Meanwhile, ITV daytime star Alison Hammond added, “I can’t wait to join Ru and the judges on the main stage! I love Drag Race UK because the queens are extra and fabulous, just like me!”

And Mel B gushed, “I love the outfits and the performances. I love it when things go right and even more when things go wrong! But to me, the big moments are when the queens are praised and you can see that they really embrace what Ru says. I’m sooo excited to be a part of it all and see what spice they bring to the runway!”

Extra surprise celebrity guests will feature in the weekly challenges as the contest goes on.

Iconic challenge Snatch Game returns with a Strictly twist as Tess Daly, (wife of Vernon Kay), and AJ Odudu who offer up their best blankety blanks.

Tess Daly said, “What is there not to love about Drag Race UK? The hair, the make up, the glamour, the costumes, the lip synching, Ru, Michelle - I love you forever. I love it all.”

Meanwhile, comedian and actress, Aisling Bea drops by to bring some comedy to the competition.

Writing unique, charismatic and tuneful song lyrics are a must-have skill for all Drag Race queens and so legendary singer-songwriter Cathy Dennis stops by the Werk Room to give the queens a song writing master class.

Strictly 2021 champion dancer and choreographer, Giovanni Pernice, takes no prisoners as he puts the queens through their paces preparing them for an all singing and all dancing challenge. He promised, "I’m definitely bringing some Strictly sparkle to the Werk Room!"

RuPaul Drag Race start date

RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 4 starts tonight (Thursday, 22nd September) on BBC Three. The series will run for 10 weeks and is also available to watch on the BBC iPlayer. 

What time is Drag Race UK on?

Drag Race UK is on at 9pm on BBC Three. A new episode will be aired at the same time each week. But don't worry, if you miss an episode you can catch up on BBC iPlayer.

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Selina Maycock
Senior Entertainment Writer

Selina is currently a Senior Entertainment Writer for Goodto.com, formerly Senior Entertainment writer for Woman&Home, and My Imperfect Life with more than 16 years of experience in newspapers and magazines. She currently writes a mix of Entertainment news - including celebrity births, weddings, reporting the the latest news about the Royal kids Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet as well as Family news stories from baby names to store closures and product recall warnings. Before joining Future Publishing, Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism. She is fully NCTJ and NCE qualified and has 100wpm shorthand. When she's not interviewing celebrities you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories.