It is WILD to think that by the end of 2025 we will have crowed our seventh winner of the ICONIC RuPaul's Drag Race UK. SEVENTH.
Seriously, remember in 2017 and 2018 when rumours of a UK edition of Drag Race were rumouring hard? All these years on, it's hard to imagine this degree of camp and fabulosity not being in our lives. In fact, we don't want to – if anyone needs us, we'll be at DragCon 2025. Like, for forever if we could.
Diehard fans will remember that rumours of the franchise (which started in the US in 2009) launching across the pond had been rife for years (remember when everyone thought Kate Price and Jonathan Ross were going to be permanent judges?).
So, when World of Wonder finally confirmed that both RuPaul and Michelle Visage were finally launching the British spin-off, we were both gooped, gagged and grateful. Still are.
And with six slay-heavy seasons done and dusted, we now have six wondrous winners in the UK Hall of Fame, all of whom have gone on to, well, slay. From West End roles, to spin-off shows, to feature films, to global runways, to collaborating like an Islander, these queens are changing the game.
Sadly, amidst the success and stardom of this glittering assemblage, there has been great and unexpected loss. In early January 2025, it was confirmed that series one winner The Vivienne had passed away at just 32 years old; news that stunned her sisters and fans alike.
So, as we shine a spotlight on our UK winners, we want to take moment to remember the queen who started it all, the queen who paved the way, the queen of UK drag...
This one's for you, our Viv.
Drag Race UK winners: who are they and where are they now?
1 of 6The Vivienne
The Vivienne was appointed the first UK RuPaul's Drag Race ambassador in 2015 by RuPaul, Katie Price and Jonathan Ross. She then went on to win the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019 and she even competed in the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, alongside the likes of Jinkx Monsoon and Shea Couleé. She went on to compete in Dancing on Ice in January 2023, and then took to the West End to take on the roles of The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz and The Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In early 2025, news broke that The Vivienne (real name James Lee Williams) had tragically passed away at age 32. Their publicist broke the news on social media on Sunday 5 January 2025, writing, ‘James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James has achieved in their life and career.’
2 of 6Lawrence Chaney
Lawrence Chaney competed in the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK and took the crown home, becoming the first Scottish queen to win across the franchise. In March 2021, Lawrence appeared in British Vogue, alongside finalists Tayce, Bimini Bon Boulash and Ellie Diamond. She then went on to tour the UK with her fellow United Kingdoms A'Whora, Bimini Bon-Boulash, and Tayce belting out their ear worm UK Hun? from coast to coast. She has also gone on to publish her own memoirs: Lawrence (Drag) Queen of Scots: The Dos and Don'ts of a Drag Superstar. She is currently appearing in RuPaul's Drag Race Live! in Las Vegas and Slaycation, a brand new reality series from Drag Race producers, bringing together queens from the UK, US and Canada.
3 of 6Krystal Versace
Krystal Versace won the third series of the show at just 19 years old (making her the youngest ever Drag Race winner). Krystal has gone on to become one of the fiercest 'look queens' in the business, touring the world and catching likes with her high-fashion drag. She is currently hosting a podcast called The Girls alongside her Drag Race UK sister DeDeLicious and La Belle. She also recently launched her own YouTube channel.
4 of 6Danny Beard
Scene icon Danny Beard won the fourth series of Drag Race UK and has gone on to become a huge television personality here in the UK. Not only do they continue to co-host the popular Gossip Gays podcast, but she worked for Radio 1 as DJ in 2024 and has appeared on popular shows like Big Brother: Late and Live, The Traitors: Uncloaked and even Hollyoaks. She, of course, also continues to gig up and down the country.
5 of 6Ginger Johnson
Ginger Johnson was crowned the winner of series 5 in 2023 and soon after began filming her popular BBC series, Ginger's House. In 2024, she toured the UK and appeared in panto. In 2025, she is set to go on tour with her Drag Race UK sisters Michael Marouli and Tamara Thomas.
6 of 6Kyran Thrax
Kyran Thrax won the sixth series of Drag Race UK, beating runner-up and drag legend La Voix to the crown. Since winning the series, Kyran has been living her best life, getting glammed up for all sorts of A-list events all over the shop. Kyran became the first UK queen to win a cash-prize on the BBC version of the show. Upon winning the series, she walked away with £25,000 (something previous winner Danny Beard as thoughts on).
WATCH: 'We're Gonna Get Cancelled!' RuPaul's Drag Race UK Finalists Play Drag Bags
Ben Pulsford is a digital writer for Bauer Media, writing for both Closer online and heatworld. When he's not getting paid to gossip about Big Brother, Love Island and The Real Housewives of Cheshire, he's storming the London LGBTQ+ scene as drag queen, Beary Poppins. Both Ben and Beary are awaiting an invite to join The Real Housewives of Cheshire for series 18. The budget's not there, but the drama is.