Lead judge and Drag icon RuPaul will return to preside over a brand new group of queens vying for the crown, alongside his trusty sidekicks Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton. Joining them on the panel for various episodes are:

• Dame Joanna Lumley, actress and activist
• Alison Hammond, TV presenter
• Hannah Waddingham, actress
• Boy George, singer-songwriter
• Lorraine Pascale, fashion model and celebrity chef
• Mel B, Spice Girls member
• Leomie Anderson, model, presenter and influencer
• Olly Alexander, singer and actor
• FKA twigs, singer-songwriter

As the competition unfolds, other celebrities will make guest appearances in the weekly challenges.

Tess Daly and AJ Odudu will give Snatch Game a Strictly twist as they offer up their best blankety blanks, comedian Aisling Bea will bring the funny, and legendary singer-songwriter Cathy Dennis will swing by the Werk Room to give the queens a song writing masterclass. Strictly’s 2021 champion dancer Giovanni Pernice will also join to train them up for the all singing and all dancing challenge.

Here is the full list of celebrities:

Dame Joanna Lumley

Dame Joanna Lumley said: "It thrills me to be a part of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The show is astounding at every level, and I loved it from the very start. RuPaul is the definition of what it is to be fabulous, and the show is packed with mad creativity, humour, and drop-dead glamour.”

Alison Hammond

Alison Hammond commented: “I can’t wait to join Ru and the judges on the main stage! I love Drag Race UK because the queens are extra and fabulous, just like me!”

Hannah Waddingham

Hannah Waddingham said: “I’m ecstatic to be joining the Drag Race UK panel as a guest judge. Drag Race is all about passion, dedication and LOVE for their craft. Big kiss, Waddingham out.”

Boy George

Boy George said: “Drag Race is such a phenomena and it has unleashed intense creativity and debate. RuPaul has made the concept of drag into a household name! I’m part of the drag daisy chain. Every nice drag queen is my sister and the rest are second cousins! It was a lot of fun being part of the show!”

Lorraine Pascale

Lorraine Pascale commented: “I’m so excited to finally team up with Ru and have some fun. We’ve known each other for so many years and I’m a massive fan of the show and everything it stands for. Bring on the glitter and sequins!”

Mel B

Mel B said: “I love the outfits and the performances. I love it when things go right and even more when things go wrong! But to me, the big moments are when the queens are praised and you can see that they really embrace what Ru says. I’m sooo excited to be a part of it all and see what spice they bring to the runway!”

Leomie Anderson

Leomie Anderson said: “I’m such a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and that’s because the UK queens come to slay! This really is the Olympics of drag and they do not cut any corners. They come to the runway and just put it all out there. They project their personalities, represent where they are from and showcase their style of drag. It’s such amazing artistic expression and I loved that I got the chance to see it first hand!”

FKA Twigs

FKA twigs commented: “I was beyond excited to be a guest judge on this season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The experience of each queen’s charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent was a dream come true.”

Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander commented: “Drag Race has had a big impact on my life so it was pretty mind blowing to be part of the judging panel this series. It felt like a real privilege to be a part of this show and support such amazing talent here in the UK. I had so much fun and I can’t wait for the world to meet the queens, they were great!”

AJ Odudu and Tess Daly

AJ Odudu said: “I love the glitz, the glamour, the transformation and the tucks! I’m honoured to be a part of the Drag Race magic!”

Tess Daly added: “What is there not to love about Drag Race UK? The hair, the make up, the glamour, the costumes, the lip synching, Ru, Michelle - I love you forever. I love it all.”

Aisling Bea, Cathy Dennis and Giovanni Pernice

Aisling Bea said: “It is a pure HONOUR to be part of RuPaul’s Drag Race. It’s a celebration of all that is loud and proud and over the top and I felt very at home.”

Cathy Dennis commented: “It was a blast joining the queens in the Werk Room to share some musical wisdom! I’m a big fan of the show and I love the fashion and sparkle that RuPaul and the queens bring every series!”

Giovanni Pernice said: “I’m very excited to be joining RuPaul and the fabulous queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK this series. I’m definitely bringing some Strictly sparkle to the Werk Room!

Transmission details are coming soon.

Bring it to the runw4y! #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/Fguk5m5tbf

— RuPaul's Drag Race UK (@dragraceukbbc) August 30, 2022