In a surprising turn of events, Drag Race UK Season 5 saw the departure of fan favorite Kate Butch. The latest episode, which aired on 16 November, marked the end of the road for Butch in a series that is rapidly approaching its finale. The top four queens have now been officially decided, but Kate Butch’s unexpected exit has left a palpable sense of loss among the show’s avid followers.
The Fateful Makeover Challenge
The remaining five contestants faced the classic drag family resemblance challenge, this time teaming up with volunteers from the UK’s Switchboard LGBT+ helpline for drag makeovers. Historically, this challenge has proven to be a critical juncture in the competition, often resulting in the elimination of popular queens. This season, the trend continued as Kate Butch, known for her comedic flair and memorable confessions, was sent packing.
Emotional Tributes and High Stakes
The episode featured moving moments, including a tribute to AIDS victims by contestant Michael Marouli and his 65-year-old partner, Peter. Meanwhile, Ginger Johnson received accolades for her performance, and Eurovision star Tomara Thomas was declared safe. This left Kate Butch and DeDeLicious in the bottom two, ultimately leading to Butch’s departure following a lip-sync battle to Rina Sawayama’s “This Hell.”
Fan Reactions and Controversy
Kate Butch’s elimination has stirred a significant reaction from the Drag Race UK fan base. Known for her wit and unique runway presentations, Butch had become a beloved figure on the show. Some fans have even expressed frustration over the perceived editing of the lip-sync in favor of DeDeLicious and disappointment at Butch’s elimination before the upcoming comedy roast challenge.
Anticipation for the Finale
With Kate Butch’s departure, speculation is rife about who will secure a spot in the top three. As Drag Race UK Season 5 nears its conclusion, viewers are eagerly awaiting the next episode to see how the remaining contestants will fare in the challenges ahead. The next episode airs on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on Thursday, 23 November.