RuPaul's Drag Race: UK version coming to BBC Three

'I am beyond excited to celebrate the massive charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of the Queen’s queens'

RuPaul onstage at last year's Tony Awards in New York (Getty Images)

A UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race is finally on the way.

The hugely popular talent show will feature 10 drag queens from across the country, who will compete in a number of individual and team challenges. Each episode of the eight-part series will culminate in a weekly “Maxi Challenge” – photo shoot or runway walk-off.

Creator RuPaul Charles said: “I am beyond excited to celebrate the massive charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of the Queen’s queens.

“And before anyone asks, yes, we would be thrilled to have Meghan Markle join us, as we are already preparing a ‘Royal-Mother-To-Be’ runway challenge.”

BBC Three will host the eight-part series, with the online channel’s twitter account posting: “Start your engines, RuPaul‘s Drag Race UK is coming soon to BBC Three.”

The US version of the show – which already has a huge cult following in the UK – has featured guests including Khloe Kardashian and Lady Gaga.

Singer Michelle Visage, who judges the US version, has confirmed on Twitter that she will return to judge the UK show.