It’s fair to say that the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK has been a resounding success.
The last seven weeks have taken us through the Snatch Game, the reading challenge and a puppet-aided bitch-fest, gifting us the Frock Destroyers, “much bettah” and countless one-liners from Alan Carr and Graham Norton.
Sadly, Thursday’s episode will see the whole thing coming to an end, but before that, there’s the small matter of RuPaul crowning the UK’s first ever Drag Race superstar.
The only question is, will it be Baga Chipz, Divina De Campo or The Vivienne?
Ahead of the final, we’re taking a look at all three finalists’ Drag Race credentials, so you can decide whether you’re #TeamBaga, #TeamDivina or #TeamVivienne…
Baga Chipz
Most iconic moment?: Delivering what will probably be the catchphrase of the series during the Downton Draggy challenge.
Low point?: All of that business with her mum on the runway.
Look of the series?: We all know she isn’t known for her runway looks, but while the judges weren’t keen on the outfit she put her mum in for the make-over challenge, we don’t think Baga got the attention she deserved for how good she looked herself that week.
Final thoughts?: The most divisive of the queens left in the competition, Drag Race UK would not have been the same without Baga. Whether it’s with her confessionals, out-performing her peers in the challenges or just chatting to the other queens in the work room, one thing Baga has brought in spades is charisma and we’ve lost count of the number of times she’s had us howling.
Of course, a big part of Drag Race is runway looks, which has been an area where Baga has fallen short on more than one occasion, and it’s tough to argue with those who felt she should have been in the bottom two earlier in the competition (her Car Boot Sale look springs immediately to mind).
Still, Drag Race is all about versatility, and Baga is more well-rounded than she’s given credit for, and even though comedy is clearly where she thrives, she held her own as a member of the Frock Destroyers, and gave a brilliant lip sync in the penultimate episode of the series.
Divina De Campo
Most iconic moment?: Those high notes in Break Up (Bye Bye)
Low point?: “A red wig and a silver dress… I don’t think”.
Look of the series?: Her “Ariana Grand National” day at the races look
Final thoughts?: Unlike The Vivienne and Baga, Divina wasn’t a clear frontrunner from the get-go, so it’s been great seeing her come out of her shell and thrive over the course of the competition, showing off different sides of her personality and abilities.
As the *ahem* most experienced queen of the final three, Divina has also brought a different perspective to the competition – not just when it comes to drag, but also when it comes to LGBTQ history in the UK, including her emotional speech about growing up under Section 28. We’ve loved seeing her vulnerable side as well as her fierce performances on the runway and in challenges.
Plus, Divina has the same number of wins as The Vivienne and Baga, but is the only queen in the final not to have been in the bottom two, which has to count for something.
The Vivienne
Most iconic moment?: Her Donald Trump performance in Snatch Game
Low point?: Winding up in the bottom two after the girl group challenge
Look of the series?: Her avant-garde look in the rainy day runway
Final thoughts?: There’s no question that of the three queens left in the contest, The Vivienne is the most polished.
She’s succeeded in pretty much every challenge that RuPaul has thrown at her (let’s just put Filth Harmony to the back of her minds), and thought outside of the box each time, bouncing from Pete Burns to Donald Trump and runway-stomping glamazon to avant-garde rain goddess with almost scary effortlessness.
The Vivienne also embodies the cross-section of old school British drag (she’s certainly not afraid to slip into a Kim Woodburn impression, is she?) and the more glossy fashion-forward style that the US version of Drag Race has showcased over the years. So if RuPaul is truly looking for someone to represent British drag on the world stage, he could do a lot worse than our Viv.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finale will be available to stream on BBC Three at 8pm on Thursday night.
