RuPaul's Drag Race UK Start Date Revealed In Michelle Visage's Strictly Come Dancing Announcement

The news was buried in a press release confirming Michelle for the BBC ballroom show.

For months, RuPaul’s Drag Race fans have been left hanging as to when the UK version of the show will launch.

Until now, we’d been told repeatedly that it was coming at some point “in the autumn”, leading to a lot of impatience.

However, the announcement that Drag Race judge Michelle Visage is set to take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing came with some long-awaited news. 

Buried in a press release sent to journalists confirming Michelle’s participation in the show was a line revealing Drag Race UK will arrive on BBC Three in October

While the BBC are remaining tight-lipped when it comes to specific air dates, the announcement has been met with celebration.

Joining Ru and Michelle on the panel each week will be Alan Carr and Graham Norton in rotating appearances, while a number of other guest judges have already been confirmed.

Among them are former X Factor judge Cheryl, legendary model Twiggy, Hollywood star Andrew Garfield, Chewing Gum’s Michaela Coel, Game Of Thrones actress Maisie Williams, Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix and Spice Girls singer Geri Horner.

Last year’s Strictly champ Stacey Dooley and daytime TV’s Lorraine Kelly will also participate in the British Snatch Game, while Strictly pro AJ Pritchard will team up with brother and Love Island contestant Curtis to take on a coaching role on the series, joining singer and producer MNEK.

Michelle was the ninth star to be confirmed for this year’s Strictly on Monday morning, and will be competing on the BBC ballroom show alongside the likes of comedian Chris RamseyYouTuber Saffron Barkerformer footballer David Jamessoap star Emma Barton and former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldsley.

16 Dream 'Strictly Come Dancing' Celebs
Nigella Lawson(01 of16)
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Dads up and down the country would be glued to their sets every Saturday night if this much-loved TV chef signed up for the show. (credit:Lou Rocco via Getty Images)
Danny Dyer(02 of16)
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Having the 'EastEnders' star's on-screen wife is great, but we all know it's really Mr Dyer we really want to see on the floor. (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Sarah Harding(03 of16)
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Sarah might insist she's concentrating on acting and singing right now, but given the less-than-stellar reviews for her 'Corrie' appearance (not to mention her debut single), 'Strictly seems like a possible stop for the former Girls Alouder. (credit:Jo Hale via Getty Images)
Craig David(04 of16)
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He's got a music career to resurrect and he looks great with his top off. It couldn't make any more sense. (credit:Iconic via Getty Images)
Myleene Klass(05 of16)
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As one of the most omnipresent stars in celebville, we can't believe she hasn't done it already. (credit:Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire)
Boris Johnson(06 of16)
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Because every series needs a public figure who is just hopeless on the dance floor. (credit:Carl Court via Getty Images)
Gemma Collins(07 of16)
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Well, let's be honest, she's done nearly every other reality series. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Richard and Judy(08 of16)
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With Richard's ego there's no way he'd take any nonsense from the judges, making him a dream contestant. Plus everyone knows there's no Richard without Judy, so his wife would have to join him on the show. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Michelle Keegan(09 of16)
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The former 'Corrie' star would be able to get plenty of tips from her other half, as Mark Wright took part in last year's series. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Paddy McGuinness(10 of16)
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Let the dance see the floor! (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Beverley Callard(11 of16)
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From the look of this picture, the wardrobe department wouldn't even have to make any outfits for Bev - she'd be able to bring in her own frocks. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Rio Ferdinand(12 of16)
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As a former England captain, he'd attract a load of male fans to the show, and would probably be quite a good dancer. (credit:Pierre Suu via Getty Images)
Susan Boyle(13 of16)
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We mean, who doesn't want to see Susan Boyle performing her trademark wiggle on the 'Strictly' floor? (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Lee Ryan(14 of16)
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Surely it's only a matter of time before he follows in bandmate Simon Webbe's footsteps? (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Mary Berry(15 of16)
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As the nation's favourite Grandma, she needs to do 'Strictly' for every Granny who's ever dreamed of being twirled around by Anton Du Beke. (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
Sam Stanley(16 of16)
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The sports star would have been a pretty topical signing for the show, given he is the first rugby union player to publicly come out. (credit:David Rogers via Getty Images)