Why doesn’t the BBC’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK have prizes? And why did Willam really get kicked off season 4? All the reality show’s biggest scandals and unsolved mysteries revealed

Feb 20 , 2021

RuPaul’s Drag Race has become one of the most successful shows on television, but it’s not been without its fair share of unresolved scandals. Photo: @rupaulsdragrace/Instagram

From the judges that were phased out in favour of RuPaul’s bestie Michelle Visage, to the mysterious disappearance of Mathu Andersen

The now ultra-successful show is still going strong, but has had its fair share of on- (and off-) screen drama

From its humble beginnings and fuzzy season one filters, RuPaul’s Drag Race has experienced a major glow-up, growing from an obscure reality TV competition mostly watched by the LGBTQ+ community, to a global entertainment juggernaut beloved by everyone.

The series has spawned spin-off shows in countries around the world, launching the star-studded, stilettoed careers of a sisterhood of drag queens (or legendary children to Mama Ru). And while its international popularity and success is unquestionable (as is the fortune is has made its host), as the seasons have progressed, the iconic show has left many questions unanswered.

Why did the early seasons’ judges leave? What did Willam really do? And what’s the T behind the lack of prizes on Drag Race UK? We thought it was high time to investigate.

What happened to Santino and Merle?

Merle Ginsberg on screen. Photo: @RuPaulsDragRaceEnEspanol/Facebook

In the early years, Ru was accompanied by judges Santino Rice and Merle Ginsberg. This panel didn’t last long as by season three Merle had been replaced by Ru’s bestie Michelle Visage. Visage couldn’t join from the onset due to contractual obligations with a prior radio job, and Santino continued to sit on the judging panel but only for a couple more seasons.

Though no official explanation has ever been provided, it has been alleged that as the show evolved, it outgrew Rice’s contribution as a judge focused on design and garment construction.

What did Willam really do?

via GIPHY

During the breakout fourth season viewers were gobsmacked by Willam’s disqualification for “breaking the rules”. It was explained during the reunion show that Willam was disqualified for engaging in conjugal visits with his husband while filming.

The fan favourite has since refuted this storyline and stated he was booted off the show after some real drama involving conflict with the crew, unpermitted contact with people off set and, perhaps most shockingly, allegedly hooking up with a producer. Can you say escandalo?!

Where are Drag Race UK’s prizes at?

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x