The drag queen representing East Lancashire on the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK has survived the first round of eliminations.

Sminty Drop, from Clitheroe, made quite an impression on the fellow contestants when she made her entrance on Thursday night (September 22).

In the first episode of the reality competition television series, where host RuPaul hunts for the UK’s next drag superstar, Sminty described herself as a “luxe queen” who wants “to be a masterpiece”.

 

 

She said: “When people first meet me they seem to think I am the most horrible person ever.

"But they come up and see me and say ‘I was told you were going to be a massive b***h but I think it’s just your eyebrows.’”

The queens were tasked with creating outfit inspired by the BBC to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

Sminty wore a bejewelled outfit, complete with lampshade headpiece, representative of the Antiques Roadshow.

She later wore an Renaissance inspired outfit that reflected her drag persona.

She said: “I’ve got my latex gloves and stockings on because I like that Renaissance look. Huge hair, huge nails, tiny waist – Sminty Drop.”

Lancashire Telegraph: ( Sminty Drop (Photo: BBC/World of Wonder/Guy Levy) ( Sminty Drop (Photo: BBC/World of Wonder/Guy Levy) (Image: (Photo: BBC/World of Wonder/Guy Levy))

Thanks to her ‘fierce’ looks, Smith sailed through to the next round of the competition.

Just May, from Essex, became the first queen to ‘sashay away’ from the competition.

She faced Dakota Schiffer as both queens had to lip sync for their lives to Let Them Know by Mabel.

After the episode aired, Sminty said:” I’ve just charged my phone up and I’m seeing such copious amounts of love and support for me and my looks you guys are literally amazing.

“I love you so much my life feels so surreal right now I seriously can’t even believe it.”

The new series began as news broke that drag performer George Ward, known by his stage name Cherry Valentine, has died at the age of 28, his family have announced.

Ward, who died on Sunday, appeared on the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, before launching a TV career and fronting the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud.

A statement from his family said: “It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George – Cherry Valentine – has tragically passed away.

“This will come as a profound shock to most people and we understand there is no easy way for this to be announced.

“As his family, we are still processing his death and our lives will never be the same.

“We understand how much he is loved and how many lives he has inspired and touched. All we ask is for your patience and your prayers in this time. We love you Georgie.”

You can watch RuPaul’s Drag Race on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.