HEADER BY YOSEF PHELAN
SPECIAL THANKS TO JASMINE ALOMA AT THE BBC

As the top three queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Ginger Johnson, Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas have proved that the key to conquering this year’s competition is to “evoke the true Geordie party girl spirit” – uhh-huh, ergh-huh. All three fan-favourite entertainers smashed this season, which makes herstory in the process as the only season in the franchise to consist of all Northernern finalists. One more time: uhh-huh, ergh-huh. 

As a result of her sharp wit and comedic timing (as well as her iconic armless dress), Ginger boasts the best track record of the three (and the coveted Snatch Game win), while Michael gained the upper hand in the latter half of the competition with her impeccable makeover and gut-busting roast. Although Tomara lacks in the RuPeter Badge department – one vs Ginger and Michael’s three – she’s emerged as one of the franchise’s most entertaining players, in and out of drag, receiving the rare “you’re a star!” compliment from Ru. Truly, any one of these queens could usurp Danny Beard as the ‘UK’s Next Drag Superstar’.

Ahead of this week’s finale, where the trio will write and record verses to RuPaul’s track ‘Spotlight’, we caught up with Ginger, Michael and Tomara to discuss their “life-changing” Drag Race UK experience. Additionally, Ginger reveals that her favourite moment of the season happened off-camera, Michael teases the “herstoric” final challenge and Tomara thirsts over the werkroom cameramen. There’s a lot here.

Congratulations Ginger, Michael and Tomara on making the top three of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season five. How are you feeling heading into the finale?

Ginger: Insane. Completely insane.

Michael: It’s wild. What a journey it’s been. It’s bittersweet it’s coming to an end. We’ve had the best time of our lives and we don’t want it to be over.

Tomara: It’s such a surreal experience and it’s nearly ever. I could sob! I could sob, babes.