#Chameleon is my new favourite villainess

[baking-cha05]

Not y'all being excited about the past villains more than the villainess-

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Drag Race UK: Meet the queens of season six

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Drag Race UK: Meet the queens of season six

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is soon set to return to screens and the BBC have confirmed the official line-up of queens ready to walk the runway.

“The competition sees hopeful drag queens compete across ten weeks in a variety of spicy challenges and iconic games designed to test their drag mettle, with the winner of the week being awarded a coveted RuPeter badge, and the bottoms of the week facing a lip sync for their life and the risk of elimination,” an official synopsis reads.

Season six will see Ru return alongside Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, Graham Norton and a host of celebrity guest judges.

For Australian fans, homegrown talent Saki Yew is set to be a likely favourite to snatch the crown.

Actavia

21, North Wales

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Tell us about yourself!

Hello! I’m Actavia, I am 21 years old, and I’m from a tiny little town in North Wales called Bala but I now live in Manchester. Bring on the Welsh!

How does it feel to be a Ru girl?

This is literally like a dream come true. It’s such a cliché thing to say but I just can’t believe it’s real and that I’m here.

How long have you been doing drag?

I quickly became obsessed with all things drag around five years ago when I was 16 years old however, being from such a small town, drag was never something that was around me. After discovering Drag Race, everything just clicked! I’ve always loved performing and being on stage so I knew drag was for me and here I am!

How would you describe your drag?

I would describe myself as a bit of a chameleon, and I always like to add a villainess look to my drag aesthetic but I’m really approachable – I promise!

Chanel O’Conor

25, Scotland

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Tell us about yourself!

Hello! My name is Chanel O’Conor, I’m 25 and I’m originally from the Isle of Bute in Scotland.

We hear you’re a talented seamstress?

I make all of my own clothes, and I’ve created looks for other queens too. In fact, a lot of my work has already featured on the show as I’ve made outfits for Drag Race UK Series two winner Lawrence Chaney and for various other queens. I’m so proud of that, but it’s now time for me. I want to show off all of my creations ON ME – and I want to win!

Why drag?

I discovered drag as a child watching comedy specials that starred iconic drag characters such as Lily Savage and Dame Edna. From watching these legends, I became obsessed and fell completely in love with drag. Growing up, I used to escape the island for a drama class on the mainland every Saturday, which is where I discovered my true love for experimenting with character creation. From that, I took a drag show to the Edinburgh Fringe and it just snowballed from there – I’ve now been doing drag for eight years!

How did you create the persona of Chanel?

I created the character of Chanel O’Conor as a way for me to ‘play pretend’ in a world I could never be in – being rich, being famous and being a natural ginger. I mixed my love for powerful women and fabulous fashions to create a baby version of Chanel O’Conor – someone who is pure luxury, Austrian royalty twice removed and sips champagne in her private submarine in Lake Como!

Charra Tea

23, Belfast

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How does it feel to be a Ru girl?

I feel like I’m on a prank show and any minute now, someone’s going to pop up and say, “Just joking!”. I’m so excited! Meeting RuPaul for the first time is going to be so surreal. I’m obsessed and I’m hoping she can understand this gorgeous Belfast accent.

What inspires your drag?

I was an artsy kid growing up and I’ve always been drawn to big, bold, bright colours which I incorporate into my drag. Some people call it tacky, but I love that and I embrace the tacky!

What would you see at a typical Charra Tea show?

If you were to come to a Charra Tea show, expect to see a pop culture parrot. I love incorporating random niche quotes in my shows from all the UK pop culture legends – Gemma Collins, Kim Woodburn, Nadine Coyle – I love them all!

What would it mean to be the UK’s Next Drag Race Superstar?

To win Drag Race UK would be incredible. Who goes on Drag Race and doesn’t want to win? I’m fun, fresh, I’m not afraid to be tacky and be myself and I love primary colours. I want that crown!

Dita Garbo

47, Kent

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Tell us about yourself!

I’m Dita Garbo, I’m 48 years young from the sunny seaside town of Folkestone in Kent, and I’m so excited to be putting Folkestone on the map!

How would you describe your drag?

I serve burlesque Hollywood glamour. My influences are burlesque icon Dita Von Teese and Hollywood starlet, Greta Garbo. Hence my name – Dita Garbo. I like to say I’m the burlesque lovechild of Dita Von Teese and Greta Garbo! But I can switch it up if I need to keep up with the kids!

I can jump, split, kick, turn, shablam, drop, turn, backflip, split again… but then I might need some help getting up!

You are the oldest contestant we’ve had on Drag Race UK. How will you use that to your advantage in the competition?

The nice thing about being older is that you come to the competition with a lot of wisdom. If the younger queens need it, I’ll give them some motherly love and advice, but if they annoy me, I’ll tell them!

What challenges are you most excited to take on? 

I can sew, I can dance, and I can sing too so I’m excited for any challenges that require those skills! I’ve been a performer all my life and I’m so proud and happy to have been invited by Ru into the Drag Race UK sisterhood and I can’t wait to show what I can do as a mature lady!

Kiki Snatch

25, London

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  Tell us about yourself!

Hey, I’m Kiki Snatch, I’m 25 years old from London and I’m going to snatch your hearts, baby!

What can you expect at a Kiki Snatch show?

I’m not just a look queen, I’m a big performance queen. I can dance and sing whilst looking pretty doing it! You’re going to get cartwheels, splits, dips, tricks, games with the audience, games… You’re just going to have a fun, fabulous time. That’s why they call me Kiki!

Who are your drag influences?

My drag is inspired by iconic female artists such as Mica Paris, Donna Summer, Beyoncé, Ciara and Teyana Taylor. I’m also inspired by the women in my family – they are all so fierce and powerful.

Tell us about your drag name origins?

I’m a bundle of joy and I love to party and so Kiki comes from me loving a ‘kiki’, which is drag lingo for having a good time. And Snatch of course can mean many things applicable to me – a snatched waist, a snatched face or snatching the Drag Race UK crown!

  Kyran Thrax

26, Lancashire

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Tell us about yourself!

Hello, I’m Kyran Thrax, I’m 26 years old, and I’m originally from Lancashire.

How does it feel to be a Ru girl?

The idea that I’m here right now just feels so correct! I’m raring to go, the timing is perfect. I am going to be a monster.

Why drag?

I’m a performer, and whilst studying Acting and Contemporary Theatre at drama school, I was doing Shakespeare, expressionism, and clowning… and so I thought why not put it all together and mix it with my love of make-up and drag. And so here we are! I’ve been doing drag for four years, and I’ve been doing it full time for two. I absolutely love it. I’ve done fashion shows, drag brunches, commercials, performances in theatres and clubs. You’ve probably even seen me on a cinema screen and now, I’m finally here!

What would it mean to you to take the crown?

It would mean absolutely everything to me to win Drag Race UK. I have been through so much in life and just to be here is amazing. I’m going to cherish every single moment.

La Voix

43, Stockton on Tees

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Introduce yourself!

Hello, darlings! I’m La Voix, I’m 43 and I’m from Stockton on Tees. I am a seasoned diva and I cannot wait to get going!

How does it feel to be a Ru girl?

I’m so excited. When they rang me and told me the news, I couldn’t believe it! Shocked isn’t even the word. I had to clear my diary – I’m very busy you see.

Describe a typical La Voix drag show?

I’m known for big, loud belty songs and I love to make ‘em laugh. Comedy and singing are my thing.

You are indeed a very busy queen. Tell us about your career highlights?

Where do I even start?! I’ve competed in Britain’s Got Talent, starred in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, working with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley; I’ve starred in various pantomimes over the span of twenty years; I’ve worked on EIGHTY cruise ships (yes eighty!) and I’ve toured all over the world with my one woman show… and now I’m here on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK!

Lill

36, Manchester

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Tell us about yourself!

Hiya! My name’s Lill, I’m 36 years old, and I’m from the best place in the world – Manchester! I’m gorgeous, I’ve got great style, I’m creative, fun and I’m easy like a Sunday morning.

How would you describe your drag?

I would say my drag is very creative and rebellious. I love getting stuff from charity shops, cutting things up and transforming old tatty stuff into the stunning!  I’ve got a thousand different references that influence my drag. I adore fashion and my favourite designer is John Galliano, who inspires a lot of my fashion looks. The best thing about me is my sense of style. My style is usually glamourous pin up girl, but sometimes it can be freaky and weird! Fashion comes and goes, but style is forever.

What are the origins of your drag name?

Lill is an acronym for Living in Lavish Luxury. My friend made it up for me one day, and I ran with it! I like to think I’m living in lavish luxury always! I appreciating each moment as it comes, I spoil myself rotten and I have a great time.

What’s the biggest misconception about you?

I think it takes quite a while for people to get to know me. At first, people might think that I’m a bit rude or a bit stoney faced, but I’m definitely not. I’ve got the biggest, softest heart. I’m just a bit shy at first!

Marmalade

24, Cardiff

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Introduce yourself!

Greetings one and all! My name is Marmalade, I am 24 years old and I am the crown jewel of Cardiff drag.

How would you describe your drag?

I would describe my drag as Hollywood glamour, all wrapped up in a gorgeous Welsh sense of stupidity. When I was sixteen, I saw the most fabulous photo of the Hollywood starlet, Lana Turner in the film The Prodigal and that was it! All I wanted from then was to become that image. My favourite leading ladies are Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Faye Dunaway, Barbara Streisand. Also, two of my all-time favourites are Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn in Death Becomes Her. I like to think that I give vintage aesthetic with a modern twist!

What is the drag scene like in Cardiff?

The Cardiff drag scene is very tiny. There are very few queens and kings there. That said, it’s a mighty scene. We’re a gorgeous set of very talented weirdos. I am the prettiest though. I mean, look at me!

Your work has already appeared on Drag Race UK. Tell us more?

Outside of drag, I am a full-time seamstress. I’ve made outfits for Drag Race UK alumni such as Lawrence Chaney, Victoria Scone and Tia Kofi, but it’s now my time to step into the spotlight so here I am! I started sewing out of complete necessity, as there weren’t many drag seamstresses in Cardiff, and now it’s become a career and my passion and my major superpower.

Rileasa Slaves

32, London

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  Tell us about yourself?

Hey boo! My name is Rileasa Slaves, I’m 32 years old from London, but I was born in St Lucia. She’s international baby!

People say you’re the spitting image of a certain pop star… tell us more?

I have been told I resemble a certain worldwide superstar named Rihanna. Like Rhianna, I’m also a Caribbean queen, a glamazon, and a superstar, but I’m not Rihanna. I’m the real Rileasa, ready to be rileasa’d onto the world.

What have been your career highlights?

Drag has opened so many doors for me. I’m a trained contemporary dancer, and I have performed on tour with Becky Hill, travelled all over Europe and even performed at Glastonbury! It was an amazing moment to perform to such a big crowd. And now, I’m on Drag Race UK!

What does drag mean to you?

The first time I did drag, I had so much fear in my bones. A lot of my fear came from my religious upbringing in the Caribbean and the difficulties you can face being part of the LGBTQ+ community in the Caribbean. Becoming Rileasa has given me the opportunity to face my fears.

  Saki Yew

33, Manchester

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Introduce yourself!

G’day mate! I’m Saki Yew and I’m 33 years old. I’m originally from Melbourne, Australia, but love brought me all the way across the globe to settle down in to life as a booked and blessed Manchester drag queen.

What can you expect from a Saki Yew show?

There’s a lot of energy – you won’t be able to take your eyes off me! You can expect to see a showgirl who’s going to perform her heart out, whether it be a ballad or a dance anthem. It’s really important to me, to represent my cultural identity in my drag and so I serve Australian showgirl glamour, mixed with high energy Filipino sass and a sprinkle of Northern wit and realness. I think I am a bit of a Frankenstein drag queen!

What skills do you bring to the competition?

I’ve been a drag queen for over thirteen years, and I have an extensive entertainment CV. As well as serving face and showgirl glamour, I am also a very experienced sewer and crafter. I particularly love crochet. My love of crochet comes from when I was on tour with The Lion King and during breaks in acts, I would crochet blankets, beanies, scarves. I even crocheted a beanie for my dog! Here’s hoping, that the opportunity arises to crochet in a design challenge!

What challenges are you looking forward to?

I can’t wait to show off in a girl group challenge and a Rusical! With my musical theatre background, these challenges are made for me.

Zahirah Zapanta

28, Nottingham

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Introduce yourself!

Mabuhay! I’m Zahirah Zapanta, I’m 28 years old from Nottingham and I’m your beauty queen!

How does it feel to be here as a Ru Girl?

I am feeling incredible, beautiful and most importantly humble! I’m so excited to be here.

Describe your drag?

The look is correct, the hair is laid, the performances are fabulous, but the personality is a chaotic mess! I’m so proud of my British Filipino roots and it has influenced my drag so much. As a little kid, I constantly watched beauty pageants such as Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Continental, and the UK has given me a unique and eclectic edge. I grew up with a lot of powerful women in my life. Growing up with Filipino aunties, my mum, my sister and lesbian aunties has definitely shaped Zahirah. The genetics do help me look this fabulous too!

Tell us about your journey to drag?

I was born in the Philippines and came to the UK with my family when I was 10 years old settling in Nottingham. Growing up, I was well known where I grew up. I was always quite flamboyant and my family actively encouraged me to be a beauty queen. As a teenager, it felt like a natural move to showcase my love of makeup and dressing up on YouTube. I built a fanbase, created a network, forayed into drag, learnt more about the art and I became a beauty queen!

Are you in it to win it?

Of course, I’m most definitely in it to win it!

The rumoured premiere date for season six is September 26. If past seasons are any indication, the series will stream on the same-day on Stan. 

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