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# End of an era as BBC axes RuPaul’s Drag Race UK amid cost-cutting drive
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/bbc-drops-rupauls-drag-race-uk/
- Published: 2026-09-10T09:02:52.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-10T09:03:10.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: Culture

The **BBC** has confirmed it is dropping *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK*, with future series of the popular competition set to move exclusively to streaming service **WOW Presents Plus**. 

The announcement comes just days after the eighth series of *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK* premiered on **BBC Three**. While the current series will continue to air as planned, future instalments of both the flagship series and spin-off *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World* will be produced for WOW Presents Plus, the streaming platform owned by production company **World of Wonder.** 

In a statement, the BBC said the decision had been made as it seeks to make substantial savings across its services. “As the BBC continues to navigate significant financial pressures and deliver the savings required of us, we have had to make some very difficult choices, none of which have been taken lightly,” a spokesperson said. The broadcaster added that it was “incredibly proud” of the show's run and thanked RuPaul, World of Wonder and everyone involved in the production. 

Since launching in 2019, *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK* has become one of the BBC’s most successful entertainment formats, introducing a new generation of drag performers to mainstream audiences and helping launch the careers of stars including **The Vivienne**, **Baga Chipz**, **Tia Kofi**, **Danny Beard** and **La Voix**. 

The programme, fronted by **RuPaul** alongside judges **Michelle Visage**, **Graham Norton** and **Alan Carr**, has become a cultural touchstone within the LGBTQ+ community while attracting a broad audience beyond it. At its peak, the series averaged around 1.5 million viewers per episode and was widely credited with bringing British drag into the mainstream. 

World of Wonder signalled that the franchise will continue to expand despite leaving the BBC, describing the move as the start of a “new era” for the brand. The company has already announced *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK All Stars*, which is due to launch on WOW Presents Plus in autumn 2027\. 

The decision follows wider cost-cutting measures at the BBC. The corporation is attempting to make £500 million in savings over two years, with senior executives previously outlining plans to reduce commissioning spend in the coming financial years.