A new group of queens from across the United Kingdom is preparing to compete on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, with the goal of hearing RuPaul’s iconic phrase: “Condragulations, you’re a winner, baby.” The UK version of the show has been running for seven years and has helped inspire a new generation of drag performers. Mocha, 26, one of the contestants in the eighth season, says she considers herself part of this new wave of talent. She credits Drag Race as a major influence on her drag style and describes herself as a “fashion clown” and a lover of musical theatre. It took her nearly a decade to reach this point in her drag journey. Flesh, another contestant based in London, says she is “100% Generation Ru,” meaning she got into drag through the American version of the show. She considers the UK series her blueprint and was thrilled when her drag sister, Bones, won the Drag Race UK Superstar title. However, she admits that Bones’ success made her feel both inspired and terrified to compete this year, as she wanted to prove herself on her own terms. Naya Thorn, the youngest contestant in the eighth season at 23, notes that there are more drag queens emerging across the UK than ever before. Still, she believes the show could benefit from more experienced and diverse performers. Naya, from Dudley in the West Midlands, says the cost of preparing for the show almost made her quit. She credits her support network at home for helping her become ready for the cameras. She also expresses concern that many talented individuals feel they can’t afford to participate due to the high expenses involved. Flesh, who has been organizing drag shows for five years, says she has noticed a decline in attendance at live events, which she attributes to rising costs. While she acknowledges that the TV show allows people to enjoy the “joy and the power of drag” from their homes, she notes that this comes with challenges for performers in the real world. Expectations remain high, but opportunities and income do not always match that level of success. She also highlights the role of social media, which is crucial for promoting live shows but can sometimes reduce in-person attendance. Paris Baby, who calls herself the “UK’s British Bajan Barbie,” is excited about the new season and hopes it will be well-received internationally. She aims to bring a unique charm and energy to the show, hoping to reignite interest in drag. RuPaul's Drag Race UK series eight will air at 22:00 BST on BBC Three and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.