BBCMichelle McManus has described appearing on the new series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK as “the greatest honour of my life”.
The Glasgow singer and radio host will be a special guest on an upcoming edition of the popular show, which returns on 25 September.
A devoted fan of the programme, Michelle told BBC Scotland’s Drivetime that the legendary performer – considered the most famous drag queen in the world – was “wonderful” to meet.
The hit series sees 12 queens compete in challenges, including dancing, live comedy and sewing, while seeking to be crowned the country’s next drag superstar.
Michelle will appear in an upcoming episode, where she will take part in a makeover challenge – where the queens are tasked with giving surprise guests a drag makeover.
Among the others taking part are Welsh singer Charlotte Church and Tracey Beaker star Dani Harmer.
Michelle said: “It was fabulous with a capital F from start to finish. Being in that werk room and being with the queens themselves was amazing.
“Ru Paul was as wonderful as you’d imagine. I spent the whole time with my jaw on the ground – I have watched every single season back to front, so to be there was really surreal, it was dream-like.”
Michelle, who started her career by winning reality music show Pop Idol in 2003, said her longevity in entertainment was heavily due to support from the LGBTQ community.
She added: “I am so delighted to be a part of that community, and to have been welcomed in. There is no higher honour than being invited to play a part in Drag Race UK.”
Drag Race started in America in 2009, going on to win more than two dozen Emmy Awards, while spotlighting the wit and style of drag queens across the country.
The UK version launched a decade later, with its first series won by The Vivienne – the Liverpool queen who died suddenly in January after a ketamine overdose.
Last year Lancashire queen Kyran Thrax triumphed in the show, scooping £25,000, the first time a cash prize had been on offer for the winner.
Michelle told Drivetime she believes the programme spotlights “an incredible art form”, while also providing entertainment that is enjoyed across different generations.
She said: “I watch it with my wee boys, and my children will go ‘they look so beautiful, and so gorgeous’.
“It’s a beautiful show and thank goodness we have it – it brings drag to a completely new audience.
“Every queen has their own story and there’s nothing not to love about drag, especially in the world we live in. It’s needed now more than ever.”
This year’s line-up of contenders was unveiled in August, but no Scots are taking part.