SPECIAL THANKS TO IMOGEN REID AND JASMINE ALOMA AT THE BBC

No matter what she says, Cheryl Hole – and we say this with some determination – will never be mediocre. It’s just not possible. Although the Essex divalina once again failed to secure a RuPeter Badge, she continued to prove that she’s a mothertucking star on Drag Race UK vs the World with her charismatic confessionals, elevated runways and fierce talent show number, which saw Cheryl serve one of her classic, choreo-heavy lip-sync routines.

On this week’s episode of the international spin-off, the eight remaining Glamazon Warriors served three looks on the runway for the RuPaul Ball, with one outfit created from scratch that Mama Ru herself would want to wear. While Cheryl’s looks for Kitty Girl and Butch Queen impressed the judges, it was her third and final ensemble that landed her in the bottom two alongside Drag Race veteran Jujubee. After conquering the “lip-sync for the world”, Janey Jacké ended Cheryl’s time on the series; eliciting a passionate response from viewers online in the process.

“That’s the way the cookie crumbles. You get dealt the cards, you’ve got to play your deck and then roll with the punches,” Cheryl tells GAY TIMES shortly after her exit, before joking: “I think it’s the curse of Priyanka. If you’re on a Priyanka EP, you’re going home. [Me and Lemon] were the only features and look what happened. Mama Ru went, ‘You’re not duetting with us.’”

While Cheryl is understandably “devvo’d” over losing her place in the competition, she has no time to mourn. This week, the beloved performer is releasing her solo debut single, Need the Power, an infectious pop anthem inspired by classic divas such as Britney Spears, Girls Aloud and the Spice Girls. Here, we chat with Cheryl about the future Grammy Award-winning banger, her short-lived stint on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World and, as per, her plans for Snatch Game.

Cheryl, my divalina. How are ya?

Devvo’d. Absolutely devvo’d, but you know what? That’s the way the cookie crumbles. You get dealt the cards, you’ve got to play your deck and then roll with the punches. To be honest, you’re lucky you got a nice queen this week because I don’t imagine some of these other queens taking it as well as I did!

I’m just devastated to see you without a RuPeter badge again!

Look, I said it when I was leaving, I think this is what I’m destined for. Juju’s destined to do 17 seasons of Drag Race and I’m destined to never win a challenge! I’m fine, I just want everyone to know that I’m absolutely fine. It is what it is, and I’m just happy that I got to have a second opportunity.

Remember, Jujubee didn’t land her first challenge win until her third Drag Race stint…

Third time’s a charm! Mama Ru, can you hear me?

Also, can I just say that back-to-back eliminations for both you and Lemon does not make sense with my fantasy.

I think it’s the curse of Priyanka. If you’re on a Priyanka EP, you’re going home. We were the only features and look what happened. Mama Ru went, ‘You’re not duetting with us. Your vocals are popping!’

RuPaul was too scared.

‘Mama Ru, shut your mouth for a minute!’ Could you imagine?

Looking back at the episode, do you agree with your bottom two placement?

100%. I had the biggest breakdown in the werkroom. I sewed the two legs of my catsuit together and in the last hour I had to go, ‘Right, let’s get something done because you can’t be walking the runway in just your undergarments.’ So in all honesty, I was proud I was able to make something because we all know I’m no seamstress. But, I got something made on my own and I did the damn thing. Yes, I should’ve been in the bottom based off of that alone, but I thought my other two runways were absolutely killer.

And you sold the shit out of that third one.

I had to. Sam, I had to. I’m sorry, It was dog-awful. The only way I was going to do it justice was pummelling that runway. That’s one thing I pride myself on, being able to sell a pile of poo.