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"RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World" is back for series 3, and the big hook this time is simple. It is a genuinely international cast, built from queens with strong existing fan bases, plus the Vs. The World format tends to reward nerve and strategy as much as pure challenge performance.
Below is our guide to how to watch "RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World" from anywhere with a VPN, plus where to stream new episodes after they air.
Series 3 premieres on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. GMT.
• U.K. — BBC iPlayer (Free)
• U.S. — WOW Presents Plus
• Canada — Crave
• Australia — Stan
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free
Series 3 brings together 10 returning contestants from across the Drag Race franchises, all competing for the title of “Queen of the Mothertucking World” and, for the first time in the UK-hosted franchise’s history, a £50,000 cash prize.
If you want to get ahead of the memes, you can already stream the “Meet the Queens” special, which introduces the full lineup before the main competition begins.
Read on for everything you need to know about where to watch "RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World" online — including next-day streaming and international options.
Can I watch 'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World' series 3 for free?
Yes. BBC iPlayer will offer free streams of "RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World". All you need is an account, a valid TV licence and a U.K. postcode (e.g. SE1 7PB).
Outside Britain? NordVPN can help you access the free stream from anywhere in the world — more on that below.
Watch 'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World' series 3 from anywhere
If you are travelling and your usual streaming service is blocked, a VPN can help you access the services you already pay for by securely routing your connection through your home country.
We typically recommend NordVPN as a top pick because it is fast, reliable, and works across major devices, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Watch 'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World' series 3 in the U.K.
In the U.K., series 3 streams free on BBC iPlayer, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday at 8 P.M.. If you prefer live TV, BBC Three broadcasts weekly episodes every Tuesday at 9 P.M..
You can also stream the “Meet the Queens” special now on BBC iPlayer.
U.S. and Canadian subscribers visiting the U.K. can still access their domestic apps using a VPN such as NordVPN.
Watch 'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World' series 3 in the U.S.
In the U.S., the show streams on WOW Presents Plus, with new episodes premiering Tuesdays at 3 P.M. ET and 12 P.M. PT. The same service also carries the “Meet the Queens” special.
Away from home? You can still use your subscriptions with a VPN like NordVPN to access paid apps while traveling.
Watch 'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World' series 3 in Canada
In Canada, you can stream series 3 on Crave, which releases episodes in sync with the U.K. drop. The “Meet the Queens” special is also available on Crave.
Traveling abroad? Use a VPN to access your usual Canadian streaming apps on the go.
Watch 'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World' series 3 in Australia
In Australia, series 3 is typically available on Stan, and WOW Presents Plus also carries the show. Because the series airs Tuesday evening in the U.K., the episode drop often lands Wednesday local time in Australia.
Traveling abroad? With NordVPN, U.S. and Canadian subscribers in Australia can access their usual services securely.
'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World' series 3 — trailer
'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World' series 3 — cast
The cast is 10 queens from across the global Drag Race franchises. Here is who is competing, plus the context that matters.
RuPaul returns as host, joined by regular judges Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, and Graham Norton.
Guest judges and special appearances listed for series 3 include Will Poulter, Anastacia, Lucy Punch, Loreen, Jade Thirlwall, Kristen McMenamy, and Bananarama, plus appearances from Russell T Davies, Rag’n’Bone Man, Jayde Adams, and Pussycat Dolls members Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt.
Kate Butch (UK series 5): A U.K. favourite positioned as a comedy powerhouse, with the kind of persona driven performance style that can dominate acting and roast adjacent challenges. She also recently won Celebrity Mastermind, which only adds to the sense that she is arriving with momentum.
Sminty Drop (UK series 4): Sminty returns after a famously viral exit that included the “sad twerk” moment, so she comes in with something to prove and a clear narrative hook. In a Vs. The World season, that combination can be useful if she backs it up with challenge wins.
Zahirah Zapanta (UK series 6): Zahirah is flagged for a polished, Filipino inspired aesthetic, which is the kind of runway clarity that can stack up well in an international cast. If she can pair that with strong comedy or performance weeks, she has a path to the endgame.
Mariah Balenciaga (U.S. season 3, All Stars 5): Mariah is the veteran presence this cast needed. She is described as an OG with 27 years of experience, and that tends to show up in stage confidence and professionalism under pressure. She also brings ballroom lineage energy that can shift the room dynamic quickly.
Melinda Verga (Canada season 4): Melinda arrives with a big personality and a reputation for being unfiltered, which helped turn her into a meme sensation during her original run. On a strategic season, that can cut both ways, since visibility can make you a target as quickly as it builds support.
Minty Fresh (Philippines season 1): Minty represents Drag Race Philippines, and she is one of the queens positioned as a major international player in this lineup. If your favourite seasons are the ones where the cast chemistry gets unpredictable fast, she is one to watch.
Gawdland (Thailand series 3): Gawdland is a headline casting choice because she is described as the first ever representative from the Drag Race Thailand franchise to compete in a Vs. The World series. That matters because Thailand queens often bring a distinct approach to fashion and performance, and the novelty factor can influence judging and fan response.
Fontana (Sweden season 1): Fontana represents Drag Race Sweden, rounding out the European side of the cast. In a compact season, early momentum is everything, so watch how quickly she adapts to the U.K. judging rhythm.
The Only Naomy (Germany season 1): Naomy represents Drag Race Germany, and she has already teased the possibility of a villain arc. That can be a savvy move in a format where screen time and storyline shape how other queens perceive your threat level.
Serena Morena (Mexico season 1): Serena represents Drag Race Mexico, adding another major franchise into the mix. With an international cast, cultural specificity can read as fresh on the main stage, especially if she makes her point of view unmistakable in the runway and performance choices.
'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World' series 3 — FAQs
What is the prize? For the first time in the UK-hosted franchise's history, the winner will receive a £50,000 cash prize alongside the title of "Queen of the Mothertucking World".
How many episodes are there? The series will consist of eight weekly episodes. You can already watch the "Meet the Queens" introductory special on BBC iPlayer.
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