Drag Race co-creator fears for queer representation after BBC drops show

The co-creator of Drag Race has said there is a "crisis of representation" on TV, following the BBC's decision to axe the UK edition of the show.

Speaking exclusively to BBC News, Fenton Bailey said he did not believe there was a "hidden agenda" behind the decision, but feared "vulnerable communities are going to be even more vulnerable".

The move led viewers to raise concerns about the corporation's on-screen representation, after it also cancelled two LGBTQ+ dating shows.

A spokesperson for the BBC said the decision was down to "significant financial pressures", as it attempts to make £500m of savings.

Other shows being cancelled include Celebrity Mastermind, Blankety Blank and Live at the Apollo, and more than 500 job losses have also been announced.

World of Wonder (WOW) announced future series of Drag Race UK, including a new All Stars version, will be broadcast exclusively on the company's own streamer, WOW Presents Plus.

BBC News spoke to Bailey, screenwriters, TV critics and former Drag Race contestants about the move and what it means for on-screen representation.

When Drag Race UK launched in 2019, co-creator Fenton Bailey, who was born in Portsmouth but now lives in Los Angeles, said working with the national broadcaster felt like a "very special homecoming" for his production company, WOW.

The US version of the show, co-created by RuPaul Charles, Bailey and his business partner Randy Barbato, had been on air for more than 10 years and was a runaway success, with dozens of Emmy awards and an international following.

Fans were eagerly awaiting a UK series to showcase the unique British style of drag. Now, eight series and three spin-offs later, the programme will stop broadcasting on the BBC after the current series ends.

"Even at the best of times, queer culture is vulnerable and you can't take anything for granted," Bailey told BBC News. "Just because a door opened yesterday doesn't mean it won't be slammed shut the next."

BBC News understands discussions to renew the BBC's deal with the show lasted months, with producers hopeful an agreement could be reached, but talks ultimately failed due to the scale of the savings the corporation is trying to make.

Bailey said it was a sign of the "horrible financial situations" broadcasters are currently facing.

"The team at the BBC are amazing and so passionate about the show, this is not an easy thing for any of the people I interacted with, or something they wanted to do," he added.