SPECIAL THANKS TO JASMINE ALOMA AT THE BBC

“Here’s the thing, Michelle [Visage]. You are flip-flopping, sweetheart,” says Copper Topp, who was rebranded by the Seduction songstress in the latest episode of Drag Race UK as “Copper Flop”. “Make your mind up, darling!” For their third maxi-challenge, the season four cast competed in pairs in a bingo-inspired design challenge, with Copper and Cheddar Gorgeous stomping down the runway in Barbarella, warrior-themed ensembles. While Cheddar’s runway was applauded by the panel, Copper received harsh critiques – with the aforementioned change in her name – and faced the bottom two against lip-sync powerhouse Black Peppa to Jax Jones and Tory Party performer Ella Henderson’s This Is Real. 

“Listen, she still tried to put up a fight, 100%. Getting into those splits, I was very impressed with myself because I am 38,” laughs Copper. “I don’t think that’s old, but I’ve had a fair few urinary tract infections in my time and getting down there… It leaves you wincing, ever so slightly.” Aware of Peppa’s revered lip-sync abilities, Copper knew she would be out-performed and possibly sashay away – but she doesn’t think she should’ve been lip-syncing for her life in the first place. “I love all my sisters, but I think we should’ve been judged as a duo, which it should be,” she explains. “Mine and Cheddar’s presentation on the runway was very realised and pretty sexy, so I’m just going to leave that there.”

Following her exit, we spoke with Copper about her time on Drag Race UK including Michelle’s critiques, the “rubbish” decision from her sisters to award her a NAFTA for ‘Best Background Actress in a Non-Speaking Role’ and her outrageous pick for Snatch Game. She also speaks with GAY TIMES about her ginger identity and her new self-empowerment rock anthem Weirdo (out now!).

Today we’re chatting with Copper Topp, who I believe is… ginger?

[Laughs] The delivery of that was hilarious.

Am I correct in saying that? That wasn’t wrong?

She might be just a little bit ginger, I don’t know if I’ve said it enough.

I’m glad we’ve clarified that, it’s the headline I will be going with for this article. The world needs to know. Babe, how are you doing?

Oh my goodness me, the emotions are high Sam. The emotions are high, but seeing your lovely face and lovely beard has cheered me right up. It’s crazy. The love is unreal. Some of the fans are getting very serious and dramatic about it all, which we stan… We stan…