Graham Norton

Ear Candy: RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

Alan Carr, Michelle Visage, RuPaul and Graham Norton (Credit: BBC/World of Wonder/Guy Levy)

Start your engines! RuPaul’s Drag Race has finally made its way across the pond for a UK makeover – and a weekly podcast from BBC Sounds for even more content about the nation’s favourite drag queens.

After 11 series of the popular US drag competition, diehard fans rejoiced when it was announced that RuPaul’s Drag Race would be heading to BBC Three for the first UK series.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series two is confirmed by BBC Three

RuPaul (Credit: BBC)

Series one was met with critical acclaim, gaining 6.5 million iPlayer requests just over halfway through the series.

BBC Three has opened applications for the next series, ready to find another group of queens who will show off their talents and slay the competition.

During series one, the queens faced several challenges to test all elements of their drag ability, from forming standout girl bands, to strutting down the runway in a regal creation.

Host RuPaul thanked the BBC and fans for the “overwhelming” support for the UK series.

RTS Eurovision Party Pack 2019

This year's contest, which takes place in Tel Aviv, will see 26 countries battling it out to win the Eurovision trophy.

Former All Together Now winner Michael Rice will represent the UK in this year's competition with his song 'Bigger Than Us'.

Graham Norton will miss presenting his chat show for the first time in its 20 year history, as he returns to the commentary box.

Plus Madonna will be making a special appearance at Expo Tel Aviv, following in the footsteps of Justin Timberlake, who performed at the 2016 Eurovision final in Stockholm.

Top TV Picks: 23rd December

Father Brown: The Star of Jacob

BBC One, 1.45pm

An outbreak of laryngitis in the church choir, a missing donkey and a kidnapped baby are all threatening to spoil Kembleford's Christmas festivities this year.

Miracles do happen at Christmas, so expect the unexpected! There will be more episodes in the New Year when Father Brown returns to our screens.

BBC reveals plans for Eurovision 2016 coverage

Last year's winner Måns Zelmerlöw will present the show from his native Sweden, while UK coverage of the event will be fronted by Scott Mills, Mel Giedroyc and Eurovision familiar Graham Norton. 

"I think it’s just an escape from reality for a week, whether you are watching it on TV or in the host country," said Mills in an interview earlier this week. "You don’t hear about anything else that’s going on the in world and actually for a week it's nice. Also everyone is there for the same reason and it’s the friendliest place on earth." 

Competition launched to find next Eurovision entry

Eurovision

The BBC has unveiled a nationwide competition to find the UK’s next Eurovision entry.

The broadcaster is working with partners to ensure the selection process will draw from amateur, professional or superstar musical talent.

“This year really will be the biggest song search for Eurovision the BBC has ever undertaken,” says Guy Freeman, Editor of Special Events for the BBC.

Anyone can submit a video of their song, providing that it is sung live by the artist who would perform the song in Sweden next year.