Cheddar Gorgeous explains the two reasons they waited to do Drag Race UK

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series four’s Cheddar Gorgeous has opened up about why they waited until now to apply for the show.

In Thursday’s (24 November) grand finale, Cheddar finished second behind their close friend, Danny Beard who was crowned the UK’s next Drag Superstar.

After a viewing party hosted by the BBC, Cheddar and Danny, as well as fellow finalists Jonbers Blonde and Black Peppa took part in a Q&A where Cheddar addressed why they had waited so long to apply.

“There were two reasons. I made a promise to a friend and I said that I wouldn’t do Drag Race, I wouldn’t apply until it was open to everybody and for a while it wasn’t and the show moved on and everybody celebrated that.”

Cheddar mentions Drag Race UK series three’s Victoria Scone – the first AFAB queen on the show – as well as the number of trans contestants on different editions of Drag Race, including Gottmik.

“For me, that was a really, really important thing. But to be honest with you, after that it was like that was the excuse done, apply. And then you have to deal with what was really holding you back which, for me, I was nervous to apply myself into a competition. I’ve had an amazing life in drag and I’ve done amazing things. And to then place yourself in that vulnerable position, that is a lot to do.”

Referencing comments they made in the finale episode about finding a new love for drag Cheddar says being on the show “made me excited for the first time in years about drag. So, you just have to throw yourself in sometimes don’t you.”

Speaking to Attitude for Tea Time ahead of the grand finale Cheddar described the experience of being on the show as “transformative”, and that they were pushed out of their comfort zone.

All series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK are available to stream on the BBC iPlayer now.