RuPaul's Drag Race UK returned last night much to the delight of its fans.
The premiere episode of the BBC Three series saw the debut of twelve new queens, including Liverpool’s Danny Beard, who were ready to showcase their charisma, nerve, uniqueness and talent in the hope that they will be crowned as the UK’s next Drag Race superstar at the end of the 10 weeks.
For one queen that dream was short-lived. Just May, “The world’s premier Geri Halliwell impersonator”, became the first queen to sashay away from the competition after she was beaten by Dakota Schiffer in a lip sync for their lives to Mabel’s Let Them Know. Whilst the 32-year-old Essex representative is no longer in the running, Liverpool still has the potential to bring home the crown thanks to Halewood’s Danny Beard.
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The 29-year-old self-proclaimed “sassy, shady, singing cartoon clown”, who is making history by being the first ever bearded drag queen to appear on the UK franchise, impressed judges, RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Graham Norton and actress Joanna Lumley, enough to return to our screens next week for a new challenge.
Despite being “safe” this week, Liverpool’s drag community believe the performer will be on our screens for the finale episode.
Rallying together to show their support, G-Bar's resident DJ, Just Minnie, told the ECHO: "I've hosted Danny in Cardiff, and they have this innate ability to have the entire room in the palm of their hand. They've got an incredible, powerful voice and a unique look that really makes them stand out from the crowd. They're a born performer and I'm super excited for them."
Host and lip sync artist, R Debs, added: "Danny is an immense unique talent that I have had the pleasure of working with multiple times up and down the country. The way they captivate the audience with their stage presence, wit and amazing vocals is truly phenomenal. Mix all that in with their incredible unique fashion sense and makeup they are truly a unique legendary performer. I honestly am so excited to watch them do us proud on the show."
Dys Alexia, the co-founder of Linda Gold's Funnyboyz, found on Blundell Street, echoed a similar sentiment: "Danny is definitely not just going to bring the crown home, but they are also breaking drag queen stereotypes by just being there. Bearded queens aren't as televised and exposed as the non-bearded ones, and I don't think it's fair. It's so exciting to see. Can you imagine where drag will be in a few years if we keep breaking the norms? Good luck Danny, Liverpool's rooting for you."
Liverpool’s self-titled cartoon queen, Steph Ball-Change, said: “Within the first few seconds of the season 4 premiere, Danny Beard showed us something new, showcasing elements from the leather community in their entrance look. Drag Race has gone too long without showing anything like this, and they looked amazing doing it. If Michelle can get over the facial hair, they will be a sure thing for the top.”
The critically acclaimed and award-winning series returns next Thursday on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer Tonight.
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