RuPaul's Drag Race UK Axed by BBC
Flesh crowned series eight winner as show moves to streaming platform Wow Presents Plus due to budget cuts
RuPaul's Drag Race UK has crowned its series eight winner, Flesh, as the BBC announces the show's cancellation due to budget cuts. The 26-year-old London queen was awarded the £25,000 cash prize after impressing the judges in the final maxi challenge.
The final episode of RuPaul's Drag Race UK series eight featured a performance of a megamix of previous girl group anthems from past series. Flesh was crowned by last year's winner, Bones, who is also her best friend and drag sister. The duo performed together as Heavenly Bodies.
Flesh made it through the series without ever being in the bottom two and only had to lip-sync for the first time in the final when the top three queens battled it out for the win. The franchise will continue to be broadcast on Wow Presents Plus, a streaming platform owned by the production company behind the show.
The decision to axe the show has sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some welcoming the potential for bigger cash prizes and others concerned about reduced LGBTQ+ representation. The BBC is facing 'significant financial pressures' and has to make 'very difficult choices', leading to the cancellation of the show.
## What happens next The move to Wow Presents Plus may bring new opportunities for the franchise, but it also raises questions about the show's future and its impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Fans will have to wait and see how the show will evolve on its new platform.
The cancellation of RuPaul's Drag Race UK by the BBC is a significant blow to the show's fans, but the franchise's continuation on Wow Presents Plus ensures that the spirit of the show will live on. With its diverse cast and message of self-acceptance, the show has made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
## Why it matters The show's cancellation by the BBC highlights the challenges faced by the broadcasting industry in the face of budget cuts and changing viewer habits. The move to a streaming platform may be seen as a positive development by some, but it also raises concerns about the show's accessibility and reach. As the franchise continues on Wow Presents Plus, it will be important to monitor its impact and ensure that it remains a platform for LGBTQ+ representation and self-expression.
