RuPaul’s Drag Race UK to feature Tunbridge Wells’ DeDeLicious when aired on BBC
Published: 16:05, 13 September 2023
A drag queen from Kent is following in the footsteps of the River Medway and Krystal Versace as she appears on a hit TV show.
DeDeLicious will be a contestant on this year’s RuPaul’s Drag Race when it hits screens on Thursday, September 28 at 9pm on BBC Three.
The show first premiered back in October 2019, making this month’s new season the fifth in the series.
Speaking to the BBC, ‘Dede’ said: “I’ve done gigs in LA, Ibiza and the iconic London Palladium.
“I just can't get enough – the stage is exactly where I belong.
“I may only be 20, but I’ve been evolving for a while.
“I’ve been a fully-fledged professional drag queen for about a year-and-a-half, but I’ve been practicing since I was 16.
“At first, I started playing with makeup in my bedroom, and experimenting with padding as I learned how to shape my body,
“And for the past few years I’ve really honed my drag craft by learning to sew and create my own outfits.
“As Dede, I now have unshakeable confidence but I remember my first performance was chaotic.
“I snapped both of my high heels and I had to do the whole number on my tippy toes.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race originated in the USA and has since gone on to have more competitions in other countries.
The show's aim is to find the next ‘Drag Superstar’.
DeDe is friends with Krystal Versace who was crowned the winner of series three.
She said: ”Yes, Krystal Versace is my bestie and drag sister. We’ve known each other since we were 11 years old when we met at school, but DeDe is DeDe, and I just can't wait for everyone to fall in love with me.”
Krystal was one of two contestants from Kent. River Medway went viral after dressing as Chatham landmark Thomas Waghorn.
The look was inspired by her hometown.
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Joe Harbert