Michelle Visage hits out at diversity backlash in Drag Race UK’s new series

MICHELLE Visage has hit out at the diversity backlash in Drag Race UK’s new series.

It’s only a few weeks until Drag Race UK returns to screens with its fifth series and fans were delighted when a 30-second trailer dropped to tease the new episodes.

Fans were introduced to the new line-up of glam queens who will be battling it out for the crown.

But the fifth series has seen some backlash after it was revealed that all the queens’ hometowns are in England.

This led one fan to point out that there have been “only two Irish queens” in the five series’.

Michelle responded to the criticism while appearing on The Sun Who Cares Wins red carpet on Tuesday night.

She said: “Listen, these people have to audition. We don’t go knocking on people’s doors.

“Charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent are the only requirements, so bring it, audition and there you go.”

Discussing whether audition tapes weren’t up to par, Michelle added: “No they weren’t sent in. Send them in. We’d love it.”

The 55-year-old added: “I’m not just saying this because it’s my job – the new series is really, really good.”

The RuPaul’s Drag Race judge spends weeks at a time filming in the UK while husband David Case stays in California, but she believes the distance has strengthened their 25-year marriage.

She says: “We understand the benefits of being apart because when we come together, it’s that much sweeter and that much more wonderful.

“I don’t think we are meant to be together 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as married people.

“So in our situation, absence makes the heart grow fonder. It works.”

Series five of the drag competition will premiere on Thursday, September 28 on BBC Three.

The new cast consists of Alexis Saint Pete, Banksie, Cara Melle, DeDeLicious, Ginger Johnson, Kate Butch, Michael Marouli, Miss Naomi Carter, Tomara Thomas and Vicki Vivacious.