You alright babes? Well, you should be now, as RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is back and TBH, I would argue it is the best version of the franchise.
Sure, some of the judging is weird, but isn’t that always the case? And what it oft lacks in fairness – #Justice4Bimini and #Justice4Ella – it makes up for in camp, stupid fun. Dunnit?
Once again Ru and Michelle asked me to swing by the mother country – or is it father, now that Chucks is in charge? – to provide culinary comfort for their newest girls. You know, tea, sympathy and all that.
Who will follow in the footsteps of Danny Beard and join the UK winner’s circle? Who will Ru love for their accent alone? And most importantly, who will be joining me as the latest member of the Gothy Kendoll Club? You’ll have to check back next week!
Or, you know, watch the episode.
📷: BBC Three / World of Wonder.
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Nature is healing, my soul is warmed and finally, finally, all is right in the world. Well, aside from the return to a 39 day season, but I digress.
While the 17 newbies and Bruce are still only spending 26 days living on the shores of the Mamanuca Islands, Jeffrey still requested the pleasure of my company to provide them with culinary comfort. And since I would do, pretty much whatever Jeff wants, I was on the next plane.
Well, that, and the fact Yam Yam, Carolyn and Carson reinvigorated the franchise and finally got it back into Emmys contention.
Will the newbies live up to the greatness of Team Tika? I hope. And even if they don’t, check back next week as we wrap up the first episode and catch-up with the 44th member of the Sonja Christopher First Boot club.
Who do you think it will be?
📷: CBS.
As you can probably tell, we are very social but the fun isn’t only limited to celebrities! You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Previously on Drag Race Down Under the dolls competed in a Drag Brunch Talent Show, which almost felt like the producers had another episode planned which got asked at the last minute and the two challenges were combined. But I digress. Flor was iconic from start to finish as she did a sexy CPR tutorial, Hollywould sang, Bumpa had no jokes, Gabriella was wacky with nothing but hula hoops while Isis was emotive and beautiful. And far and away won the challenge. At the other end of the pack, Hollywould was cautioned to open up before rightly being sent to safety, leaving Italy’s own Gabriella to tragically send Aunt Bumpa home.
Backstage Gabriella was feeling it after the lip sync, glad to have survived though heartbroken she took Bumpa’s chance in the process. The dolls thankfully praised Bumpa for being a damn icon before heading over to the couches to sit down and have a kiki. Isis was thrilled to jag her second win before speculating just who would be the one to miss out on a spot in the finale, telling Flor she is most likely to go given she is winless. While Hollywould speculated to us that it would be more likely Gabriella was going home, given Flor is at least consistent.
The next day the doll’s were overjoyed to have made it to the top four, though Flor in particular was still just desperate to jag a win. They spoke about whether they had predicted that this would be the top four when they arrived, with Hollywould scalping Gabriella by saying she expected everyone but her to get to the end. Talk turned to Hollywould and Ru’s interaction on the mainstage with Flor, who speaks English as a second language, once again explaining that Ru meant she just wanted her to open up to the judges like she does to them, given she is so charming and lovely backstage.
Right on cue Ru dropped by and immediately warmed my cold heart by wheeling out four dogs and their owners. Who would become the newest members of the dolls’ drag families. Humans and dogs. As the winner of the previous challenge, Isis was able to pair everyone up, so jagged the skinny girl for herself, Gabriella got the zaddy, Hollywould got the alternative doll while Flor got the sweet, shorter lady.
The dolls pulled their human and dog aside for a get to know you session, with Isis’ dog instantly bonding with her while we learnt her human was queer. So yeah, slay. Arlene, doggy Ru and Hollywould were vibing hard, talking about the heaviness of mental health and how the love of dogs can help and ugh, I am in tears already. Flor meanwhile wasn’t winning over Burrito, while she and Grace did become the fastest of friends. Gabriella’s human meanwhile can sit on my face, though he and Billy are also icons and I only want good things for them.
Oh and then Gabriella wisely shared that her cat pissed in her drag bag once, which adds nothing, but is very important to me.
Ru made her ruturn to kiki with Hollywould and Arlene looking on as Ru and dog-Ru just vibed like the bestest of friends. Oh and then Ru confronted Hollywould about lying about her age which was honestly, iconic. Taina opened up about how much her brother loved drag growing up, before Isis gushed about how comfortable she was becoming in the race. Flor, Grace and Burrito meanwhile were charming and had Ru in absolute hysterics and ugh, I love it. Aaron, meanwhile, had Ru dripping, which, relatable. Before she challenged Gabriella to show more facets of herself and just feel everything, rather than overthinking things.
After Ru left, Gabriella smartly focused on slutting Aaron up while Isis and Taina were having D&Ms about life and becoming the firmest friends and well, they are winning the challenge, right?
Flor, Grace and Burrito were first up to rehearse on the mainstage and while Flor was desperate to form a bond with Burrito for the gags, she was having none of it and TBH, I love it. Isis, Taina and Blue meanwhile were absolutely iconic before Hollywould and Dog Ru were energetic and iconic. The latter potentially a little too much. While Gabriella was focused on getting Billy off lead, like a seasoned performer.
Elimination Day arrived with the dolls kiking about how tired they are after staying up all night getting things ready. The dogs and their humans returned with Aaron unveiling her lack of moustache, arm and chest hair. They split up to get prepped with Isis and Taina giggling, Flor trying to get Grace in the zone while Gabriella was opening up to Aaron about her lack of confidence in her body and that she wants to leverage his sexiness to help her serve something different. Because dammit, Gabriella knows she is worth it and ready to do the thing, Angela Bassett style. Flor and Grace meanwhile were bonding over their husbands and ugh, give them the win too as I love it all.
Ru, Michelle and Rhys were joined on the panel by zaddy Josh Cavallo as the Haus of Hollywould kicked off The Drag Family Resemblance: Doggy Style runway serving old Hollywood glamour, flowing in beads and satin. Ivis Avis, Venus Tina and Neptune Loren shimmered in glorious white gowns, complete with Neptune serving tricks and being a complete star. Flor and Rosa allowed Burrito Bouquet to make a glamorous entrance, with all of them looking expensive and beautiful. While Gabriella, Isabella and B’Leaning Tower of Pisa served stunts and tricks, giving sexy, slutty Flintstones and ugh, I love it too.
Hollywould was praised for looking glam, despite a complete lack of family resemblance. While Rhys was more thrilled to see Hollywould having fun and living it up. Isis deservedly received universal praise, for giving killer looks, serving family resemblance and all around charming the judges. Flor too received nothing but love, particularly since she far and away gave the best doggy outfit. And after Grace thanked RuPaul for creating the show, I am confident Flor may just get her first victory! While Gabriella’s concept won over the judges, they wished there was more family resemblance. And more importantly, they loved how well behaved 10 month old Billy is. Oh and then Gabriella explained she didn’t give camp because she wants to show them she believes she can truly be sexy.
Backstage Hollywould was ready to lip sync if needed, on her way to the crown, while Gabriella was disappointed Michelle didn’t live for her concept. Isis on the other hand wasn’t sure who would take out another win, given she and Flor both got glowing critiques.
Ultimately both of them took out victory and found themselves the first two members of the top three, while Hollywould and Gabriella had to battle for the last spot. And damn, they were hun-gry. As Not About You by Haiku Hands kicked off, both of the dolls had all the energy, hit every lyric and served moves, but there was something about Gabriella you couldn’t take your eyes off and it was that extra something that sent her through to the finale and Hollywould home in fourth place.
While I am thrilled for each and every member of the top three, I do think Hollywould deserved to be there alongside them and as such, broke down in tears of shattering disappointment. Hollywould being sweet, followed me sorrowful weeping and pulled me in for a massive hug backstage. And like an icon, flipped the script, assuring me that she will be the first Down Under girl to win and All Stars season and as such, no more tears would be cried. So I followed her lead, dried my eyes, got to brainstorming ideas to get her to the top on her second round and, most importantly, whipped up a piping hot Hollymajoun Star.
This glorious little number is Antoni’s – my beautiful ex – take on a lahmajoun, with a few tweaks here and there for taste. Earthy and rich, yet fresh and zingy, it is a quick easy meal that you’ll come back to time and time again.
Enjoy!
Hollymajoun Star Serves: 4.
Ingredients 1 green capsicum, diced 1 onion, diced 4 garlic cloves, minced ⅓ cup flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped ¼ cup mint, roughly chopped 500g lamb mince 2 tsp tomato paste 1 tsp chilli flakes ¼ tsp ground allspice ¾ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp black pepper 6 Pita Andre Breads 1 tomato, diced ¾ cup natural yoghurt ⅓ cup black olives, sliced
Method Preheat the oven to 190C.
Blitz the capsicum, onion, garlic, parsley and mint in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the lamb, tomato paste, chilli, allspice, salt and pepper and blitz until well combined.
Pop the pitas on a pair of lined baking sheets and divide the meat between them, flattening out to form a flat disc on top. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and brown.
Remove from the oven and dab away some of the excess fat with a paper towel before serving piping hot, with a sprinkle of tomato, dollop of yoghurt and a smattering of black olives. And then devouring, like a boss.
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Previously on Drag Race Down Under the dolls lined up to write another little verse as they competed in the Girl Groups challenge. This time inspired by our Nicole’s hit movie, BMX Bandits. Even more unhinged than the last two seasons, the song BMX Bitches was a glorious ‘80s inspired bop. Team Challenge Winners (minus Ashley) were mostly feeling confident, while Team Ashley and The Rest were a bit of a mess. Bumpa struggled with choreo and Ashley was in her head, while poor Flor desperately tried to hold it together. Hollywould meanwhile was the Beyonce of the other better group, and took out her second win of the season. Flor was obviously deemed safe leaving Bumpa to battle against Ashley and send her home to join the win-to-elim club.
Backstage Hollywould was surprised by how much she was missing Ashley already, while Bumpa was stressed about the fact the judges don’t think she is confident. Isis meanwhile was focused on the fact that Ashley joined the win to elim club and as such, worried that it meant anyone could go home. Specifically, I assume, her. Hollywould turned their attention to the positive, thrilled to be the first one to collect two wins, while Flor just wanted to get one and Gabriella was worried about going from strength to strength to jag another win.
The next day the dolls were thrilled when they realised they had officially made the top five, before talk turned to who hasn’t lip synced yet. With SNS thrilled to have not had that bother as Gabriella and Isis just wanted to keep avoiding landing in the bottom. Which means one of them is literally lip syncing tonight, no? Right on cue, Ru dropped by to announce that for this week’s maxi challenge the dolls would be hosting a Drag Brunch Talent Show and as the winner of the last challenge, Hollywould would have the honour of selecting the running order.
After Ru departed, the dolls split up to kiki, with Hollywould confident in her opera skillz, Gabriella her pro-hula hooping background, Isis was keeping her plans a secret while Bumpa was confidently doing stand up. Something she has never done before. Gabriella sweetly suggested that stand up rarely goes over well and maybe she should do something safer. Something which proved even sweeter once Bumpa ran one of her jokes past the dolls because it was a mess. Bumpa gurl, you’re in danger. Talk turned to the running order with Bumpa sharing that she was desperate to open, while on the other hand, Gabriella was happy with anything and Hollywould felt she would make a lovely showstopper.
The dolls joined Rhys and Bree Tomasel on the mainstage to rehearse, with Rhys concerned that Gabriella’s act was one note, given she isn’t actually a professional hula hooper as she told the dolls. And was just going to gag around. Flor was going to honour her nursing skills with a CPR set and while it appeared to confuse them, the fact that she plans to teach a real skill makes me hopeful she will pull it off. Isis was going deep, talking about weathering the storm that is mental health, which meant she had to navigate the change between the energies. Bumpa had the duo laughing at the start, despite the lack of jokes. And while Hollywould’s singing was hidden from us, she did assure the duo that she is thrilled by the prospect of being shady with the order but also didn’t want to leave it to become a shit show. Literally.
Backstage Hollywould put the dolls out of their misery, announcing that Isis would be opening the show, followed by Bumpa, then Flor, Gabriella and that she would be closing it herself. Which was her final decision. That is, until Isis suggested the energy of her performance would best sit in the middle, so she offered it to Gabriella instead. While Bumpa grew more and more enraged by the fact she wanted to open the show, but clearly wasn’t viewed as strong enough by Hollywould. She, though, calmly explained her rationale and all’s well that ends well, it seems.
Elimination Day arrived with Isis exhausted from all the rehearsal, while Gabriella admitted she had a good sleep and plans to wing it opening the show. As they split up to beat their mugs, we had another bug visitor before Flor opened up to Hollywould about how nervous she is to perform live on the mainstage while the latter assured her that she has so much charisma, that she just needs to have fun and believe in herself. Bumpa and Gabriella meanwhile were speaking about needing to prove themselves. Hollywould meanwhile asked Gabriella the origin story of her name, which came from a stoner saying they felt like Gabriella Labucci one night and after googling the name and finding there was no such person, she snatched it for her character. Flor then opened up that hers came from her biological mother, who died bringing her into the world and hot damn, I am crying. It is beautiful to see the dolls rally around her as she broke down in tears.
Ru, Michelle and Rhys were joined on the panel by Amy Taylor who is essentially Gabriella Labucci, for those that are unfamiliar. Speaking of Gabriella, she opened the Drag Brunch giving stupid hula hooping and while it was fun for 20 seconds, it was kind of a bomb. Bumpa meanwhile was a mess, relying on Ru to prompt the entire set and well, that made it funny. Flor by comparison slayed, giving jokes, silliness and useful health education. It was unexpected, smart and so much fun, so I love her. Isis meanwhile was a consummate professional – did I just jinx her?! – as she gave a moving, meaningful and a little sexy lip sync performance. And then Hollywould opened with a little opera before lip syncing to an original song and she was so good, Bumpa adorably just spoke about how talented she is in her confessional.
On the Not in My Backyard BBQ runway Gabriella served sexy, slutty tomato sauce, Bumpa gave bad Sandy, Flor was a beautiful burnt BBQ in yellow, Isis gave The Nanny does Looking for Alibrandi while Hollywould was stunning in an inflatable pool gown.
The judges lived for Gabriella and her glamour on the runway, though felt her talent show was undercooked. Badly. Bumpa too was read for being confusing as hell in the performance though they loved her runway, despite it not really making sense for the category. Flor received wall to wall praise, particularly since she is such a caring nurse. Isis meanwhile was totally beloved and cemented herself as the frontrunner while the former frontrunner’s singing was beloved, though there wasn’t enough. While Michelle desperately wanted to see more of who she is, given she appears to be quite guarded.
Backstage Flor was thrilled to clearly be one of the top queens, as Hollywould congratulated her and Isis for slaying the challenge. Bumpa and Gabriella meanwhile were ready to lip sync, given it is very clear they were in the bottom. Gabriella though was worried about the fact the judges aren’t seeing who she is, which is something that also worried Hollywould. With Flor, who has English as a second language, explaining that Ru doesn’t want her to be an extrovert, just to let her guard down.
Ultimately Flor had to settle for safe as Isis claimed her second win, before Hollywould was deemed safe. She then went unsafe, asking Ru what she wants to see from her, with her asking Hollywould to pull down the wall as it is what she needs, not just to succeed, but for a happy life. After making her way to the back of the stage, Gabriella and Bumpa lined up for the lip sync – as expected – and as soon as Jet’s 20 YEAR OLD Are you Gonna Be My Girl kicked off, it was clear our Italian queen was not going anywhere. She had all the energy, she was camp and she was flipping in every direction, and while Bumpa was a star, it wasn’t enough to save her as she exited with her head held high and praising the crew like a kind, hardworking icon.
As she arrived backstage, I pulled her in for a massive hug, assuming that praising the crew was essentially just a comment targeted at me, given I cook 10 meals per season. I mean, talk about a hardworking icon, no? Given Bumpa is obviously on the fast track to a vs The World season, I assured her that she has the chops for victory given she is so charismatic. So instead, focus on earning the coin to upgrade the wardrobes and she will coast even further into our hearts like Down Under’s version of Alyssa Edwards or Katya. And while she waits, well, she can smash a bowl of Breakfast Hamburger Helpa Love.
Yes, yes – this is just another one of my crack an egg on it and called it breakfast recipes. But the fact that they are simple – or lazy – shouldn’t matter, only that they taste delicious and fill you with joy. And, make good use of leftovers.
Enjoy!
Breakfast Hamburger Helpa Love Serves: 2.
Ingredients 2 serves Irene HamduBois Helper 1 tbsp butter 2 eggs kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Method Cook (or reheat) the hamburger helper per Irene’s recipe.
Pop the butter in a skillet over medium heat and once foaming, crack the eggs in and fry until the white are set. Sprinkle with a good whack of salt and pepper, and remove from the heat.
Divide the hamburger helper between two bowls, top each pile with an egg and then devour, joyously.
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