EXCLUSIVE: RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to Australia! Local version of the groundbreaking reality show starts filming this month – and will include Aussie and New Zealand queens
An Australian version of RuPaul’s Drag Race is set to begin production this month, Daily Mail can exclusively reveal.
The show will hit screens in late 2021, but it’s unclear if it will air on free-to-air television, Foxtel or a streaming platform.
Filming will commence in New Zealand on January 29, most likely due to the unpredictable Covid-19 situation in Australia.
Coming soon! An Australian version of RuPaul’s Drag Race is set to begin production this month, Daily Mail can exclusively reveal. Pictured: RuPaul Charles
Despite being filmed in New Zealand, the show is titled RuPaul’s Drag Race Australia and will feature both Aussie and Kiwi queens.
A source told Daily Mail Australia: ‘It’s 100 per cent going ahead. Queens have been cast and they’ve signed NDAs [non-disclosure agreements] to keep it hush-hush.’
There’s no word so far on whether RuPaul Charles himself will host the show, like he does the British and American versions.
But it’s not beyond the realms of possibility, as his husband, Georges LeBar, is an Aussie and he regularly visits his in-laws Down Under.
Hosting duties? Australia’s most famous drag queen, Courtney Act, recently flew home from the UK, sparking rumours the notable RuPaul’s Drag Race alum could be hosting the series
Rumoured cast members include Sydney’s Vanity Faire, Felicia Foxx and Coco Jumbo, as well as Brisbane’s Scarlett Fever and Sellma Soul.
Newcastle’s Jojo Zaho and Melbourne’s Karen from Finance, Sabrina and Art Simone are also tipped to appear.
Australia’s most famous drag queen, Courtney Act, recently flew home from the UK, sparking rumours the notable RuPaul’s Drag Race alum could be hosting the series.
Man of the hour: There’s no word so far on whether RuPaul Charles himself will be involved in the show. Pictured with his Australian husband, Georges LeBar, on September 22, 2019 in LA
Superfan Joel Creasey is also rumoured to be joining as a panelist.
RuPaul’s Drag Race is already a huge success in the U.S., having received a record-breaking 34 Emmy nominations.
It has a total of nine wins, including Outstanding Reality-Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality-Competition Program.
The format involves drag queens competing for a $100,000 prize by taking part in various challenges each week.
The British and American versions of RuPaul’s Drag Race are available to stream on Stan in Australia
Popular: RuPaul’s Drag Race is already a huge success in the U.S., having received a record-breaking 34 Emmy nominations. Pictured (L-R): Ross Mathews, Michelle Visage, RuPaul Charles, Miley Cyrus and Carson Kressley