Thandiwe Newton and Rick Astley Among 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' Guest Judges

The runway of 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' is gearing up to welcome a dazzling new constellation of stars. The BBC has revealed the names of the celebrities who will join as guest judges for the eighth season of the popular competition, returning to screens on Thursday, September 3rd.

Alongside resident judges Alan Carr, Graham Norton, and Michelle Visage, the panel will feature prominent figures from entertainment and fashion. Among the most talked-about names are Emmy-winning actress Thandiwe Newton, iconic singer Rick Astley, and pop star Anne-Marie, who will bring their insights and style to the show.

Celebrities Joining the Judging Panel

The list of guest judges is diverse and promises memorable moments. Hollywood actress Thandiwe Newton, known for her extensive work, shared that if she had a drag name, it would be Hannibal Trewartha, combining her first pet's name and her first street. Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Anne-Marie described her experience as a dream, happy to be part of the Drag Race family.

Singer-songwriter Cat Burns, who will reunite with Alan Carr in a different role, said her drag name would be Kitty Kat First Degree Burns. 'Slow Horses' actor Kadiff Kirwan expressed his excitement about being a judge, calling the experience a "queer fever dream" he never wants to come down from. Renowned fashion icon Michèle Lamy, ready to celebrate originality, joked that her talent would be dancing with all her bracelets and rolling on the floor in front of RuPaul.

Comedian and actress Michelle de Swarte returns to the show, offering her trademark unfiltered commentary. Pop icon Rick Astley, famous for his hit "Never Gonna Give You Up," said his drag name would be Miss Rickety Splits. Supermodel Erin O'Connor, with her expert eye for fashion, declared herself a fan of the show's design challenges. West End sensation Layton Williams and eighties frontman Martin Fry will also join the panel, completing a stellar lineup.

Cameos and the Return of Drama

In addition to the judges, the season will feature special appearances that are sure to delight fans. Cameos include actor Arian Nik, popular singer Duncan James from the group Blue, supermodel and Drag Race darling Kristen McMenamy, musical theatre royalty Mazz Murray, dance pop duo Booty Luv, and beloved choreographer Claudimar Neto.

The new season, produced by World of Wonder for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, promises to be one of the most exciting to date, with an ambitious cast of queens ready to compete for the crown. Audiences can follow the action every Thursday starting September 3rd, with episodes available on BBC iPlayer from 7 p.m. and on BBC Three from 9 p.m., as reported by the BBC.

Why it matters

The choice of guest judges on 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' not only attracts new audiences but also highlights the growing cultural influence of drag. The presence of high-profile figures like Thandiwe Newton and Rick Astley validates drag artistry as mainstream entertainment, further integrating it into the global cultural landscape and demonstrating its ability to unite talent from diverse industries.