Veronica Green comes out fighting for Drag Race UK return: ‘I was supposed to win SE2’
"I’ve proved that I’m a heavyweight contender" says queen, who pulled out last season due to Covid-19
Picture: BBC
Veronica Green was one of the breakout stars of the last season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK – even if her journey didn’t exactly go to plan…
The 35-year-old from Rochdale, Lancashire had forced to pull out of the hit show back in February after testing positive for Covid-19.
However, RuPaul assured the star she could return – and today it’s been confirmed that she will when the new season drops in iPlayer in September 2021.
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“It was a big blow,” says Vernoica now of bowing out last spring. “But, thankfully, I received an open invitation from Mama Ru to come back for series three – and I wasn’t gonna turn that down!”
“I’m hoping that as I’m not a newbie, the second time around will give me an advantage,” she adds. “I’m having the time of my life all over again. I love it!”
Here, the star – who has been working on her improv skills between seasons – talks connecting with Boy George, recording with Myleene Klass and last season’s iconic Rats: The Rusical challenge…
Welcome back! Introduce yourself…
Hiya! Remember me?! I guess it’s time to reintroduce myself…. Ru-introduce myself?! Everybody deserves a second chance. You may recognise me from season two, but if you don’t – where have you been?! I was flying high, and really enjoying competing, but the pandemic interrupted filming, and unfortunately, I tested positive for COVID just as filming resumed, so I couldn’t return.
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How was season two for you?
I always knew that season two was going to be THE season. It was just legendary. We gagged the world and gave them all rat bite fever and a lift in a really difficult time. Winning a badge for Rats: The Rusical was definitely a highlight for me. And thankfully, after 10 days of isolation, my rat bite fever subsided!
Have you had any famous faces reach out since series two?
It’s been mad! I’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support. l I’ve done a song with Myleene Klass on the piano and she’s going to collaborate on my second song. I also got a DM from Ariana Grande’s brother! And Boy George, my Drag Race UK gay idol – who I paid homage to in one of my runway looks – invited me to be in his music video! It’s been a blast.
Talk us through your series three ‘Meet The Queens’ outfit…
This outfit is a very sentimental piece to me; it’s a family heirloom. This is my sister’s sweet 16 prom dress. I love my sister – I stole her name, so I might as well steal her clothes too. And it was made by my mum. My sister, Veronica, is the inspiration for me and my outfits, and she’s had to fend off all of her work colleagues, asking for my autograph and video messages. Veronica’s had a bit of second-hand fame too, which she loves. My whole family has been so supportive, I couldn’t ask for more of them.
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Are you nervous about facing new queens?
I’m always nervous. I’m excited, but it’s a brand new batch of queens and you don’t know who’s going to walk through that door and what skills people have. What was great on season two was that I was one of a kind. And I’m hoping to continue that, so that I can stand out.
What are you most looking forward to?
Winning! Haha! I’m looking forward to getting back on track and getting back into the competition. Being taken out of season two was devastating, I was having so much fun!
What are your strengths?
I’ve been working on my comedy. I’ve been working on my improv. I will not be taken by surprise by an improv challenge again! I am multi-talented, it’s just a case of getting it right on the day. There’s lots of things I can do. I hesitate to use the phrase, Jack and Jill of all trades, master of none. Because I trained to be on this show. I knew was going to come, so I learned to sew for the show. And so putting those skills to the test in situ is exciting but terrifying at the same time.
Why should you win this time around?
Am I going to win?! Does the pope shit in the woods?! I was SUPPOSED to win Drag Race UK season two. And if you don’t crown me this time Ru, I’m going to come back again. Another variant of Veronica Green… I’m not joking. Just keep bringing me back. I’ve proved that I’m a heavyweight contender. The judges described me as a triple threat on series two, and I’ve already won a badge! I’ve kept it in a box on my window sill at home so that I wake up to it every morning!
Interview provided by BBC Three.
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