RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will be back on your screens imminently on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer as Mama Ru returns with a gorgeous new set of glamazon queens for a brand spanking new series of the award winning competitive reality series.

In anticipation of the fabulous new series, we are pleased to Ru-veal this year’s nine extra-special guest judges, who will be joining Drag Icon and judge supremo, RuPaul Charles, as RuPaul determines who will be awarded the coveted title of the UK’s Next Drag Race Superstar.

Each week, the queens face challenges that test their drag skills to the max and although the crucial decision lies with Mama Ru and Ru’s loyal Drag Race UK besties, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, Graham Norton, a host of celebrity Drag Race super fans also join in on the fun and help deliberate the fate of the queens.

This year, the celebrity guest judges are:

• Comedian, actor and writer, Aisling Bea

• Pop star, stage star, singer-songwriter, Alexandra Burke

• Actor and OBE, and pithy legal eagle from The Good Wife, Cush Jumbo

• Designer, actor, producer and musician, Daphne Guinness

• Actor, comedian and presenter of the hotly anticipated BBC TV series Survivor, Joel Dommett

• Supermodel and London fashion icon, Kristen McMenamy

• Pop icon, singer-songwriter, Sophie-Ellis Bextor

• BAFTA Award winning stage, film and television actor, Suranne Jones

• Famed for her role as Elle in Heartstopper and about to make her Dr Who debut, actor Yasmin Finney

As ever, there are a number of fabulous celebrity cameos as the competition unfolds and we can Ru-veal this year’s cameos are:

• Vogue royalty Edward Enninful OBE stops by the Werk Room with Ru, and helps the queens with fashion advice ahead of the iconic design challenge and as an extra special treat, he also brings along a furry friend.

• One of Drag Race’s toughest and most iconic challenges, Snatch Game welcomes celebrity players, Carol Vorderman and Alexandra Burke as they offer up their best Blankety Blanks.

• Much loved Strictly Star, Karen Hauer brings her stellar choreography and coaching skills, patience and charm to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, as she helps the queens take on the daunting Rusical challenge.

• And, choreographer to the stars, Claudimar Neto guides the finalists through an all singing all dancing number for the Finale Eleganza Extravaganza.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is commissioned by Fiona Campbell, Controller for Youth Audiences, BBC Three and Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producers for World of Wonder are Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, RuPaul Charles, Bruce McCoy and Johnni Javier and the BBC Commissioning Editor is Ruby Kuraishe.

Transmission details for the fifth series will be revealed in Ru course.

Aisling Bea says: “Needless to say they did not have to DRAG me back to be a judge. This season the contestants all blew me away with their incredible talent. What an honour to be back!”

Alexandra Burke says: “Oh my goodness, I had the best time ever being a part of the iconic Snatch Game! I’m the biggest fan of RuPaul and the show. I’ve been desperate to appear on Drag Race, and so to be there was a real honour and I’m dreaming of being able to do it again and again!”

Cush Jumbo OBE says: “It was an honour to join the judging panel for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. I am a massive fan of the show so it was a “pinch me“ moment being sat next to Ru, and watching the fabulous Queens!”

Daphne Guinness says: “I am honoured to be on the Judges’ panel with my dear friend Ru. Drag, sequins and humour! What more could one want?”

Joel Dommett says: “I’m beyond excited to be a part of this series of RPDRUK! It’s a dream come true to be so close to Ru and the runway! Got some great outfit ideas for when I enter next year…”

Kristen McMenamy says: “I’m thrilled to be appearing as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK! It’s a show that celebrates acceptance of differences and individuality which is so important to me.”

Sophie Ellis-Bextor says: “I had a fabulous time joining RuPaul’s Drag Race UK as a guest judge! I love the show and everything it celebrates, so it was an honour to be a part of the magic.”

Suranne Jones says: “Joining the panel of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK as a guest judge was as fabulous as all the Queens were. I’m a huge fan so it was a total dream!”

Yasmin Finney says: “I’m a guest judge and it feels out of this world! I felt like I was on another planet during filming… Planet Joy!”

Edward Enninful OBE says: “I’ve been an avid fan of Drag Race for many years, so much so that even my beloved Boston Terrier Ru, is named after the legend that is RuPaul. I am honoured to join as a guest on this year’s show and look forward to seeing what incredible visions the queens have in store for us all.”

Carol Vorderman says: “I’ve been excited about this from the moment I was asked, and it didn’t disappoint. Ha! Such fun to be a part of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and the iconic Snatch Game. All of the impressions were hilarious, clever and brilliant – it was a joy to play!”

Karen Hauer says: “For years I have admired the brilliant creativity in RuPaul’s Drag Race, and never would I have thought I would be given the chance to work with such talented Queens. The raw talent and humour inspired me deeply. I had the best time getting to know them and see their transformation from rehearsal to show day in such a very short period. It was just magnificent.”

Claudimar Neto says: “It’s such a pleasure to be invited back for the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK! I’m a huge fan of the show and the fabulous Queens never fail to amaze me. This season’s talent is outstanding! In the light of current events, I’m extremely proud to stand with our community and fight for love! In the words of the great RuPaul, ‘everybody say love’!”