*This post includes spoilers fromRuPaul's Drag Race U.K. episodes 1 through 4.
We're not going to lie: RuPaul's Drag Race U.K. has been gagging us. The queens came in hot with some very clear talent. As Drag Race does, there were a few of the more experienced variety and some newer performers. There was also a smattering of specialties. But right at the first elimination things started going left.
Joe Black, who came into the show as one most accomplished performers on the roster got some pretty harsh critiques in the first episode -- some of which were frankly bizarre, -- and was sent packing by Bimini Bon Boulash. While it was a surprise that Black wound up in the bottom, the lip sync made the elimination pretty clear cut.
On the second elimination, Cherry Valentine was sent packing in a bottom two as well, and some expected her to make top four. Then came episode three. While that bottom two of Tia Kofi and Astina Mandela seemed right, the lip sync came out of no where. As Mandela had been trumpeted as a standout dancer, many were surprised to see Kofi kind of wipe the floor with her in th performance. Then came this week.
There was quite a bit of drama in this episode: A'Whora and Kofi haven't gotten along but, now as teammates, the pair came to an understanding. Ginny Lemon, who made it known early that she wasn't one to hold her tongue, called out front runner Lawrence Chaney for speaking over everyone when they returned from the elimination. A few barbs were traded back to forth but eventually, the pair were separated and moved on.
For the Maxi Challenge the competitors put on Morning Glory, a news show. There, Boulash, A'Whora, and Chaney stood out -- Tayce was also as beautiful as ever. While Lemon had a fully-realized character, the erratic nature came off as one-note and never went anywhere, which she was criticized for on the Main Stage. Couple that with the criticisms of her look -- which judges did note was likely an attempt at showing them the variety they had asked for -- and Lemon found herself in the bottom. She was set to face off against her close friend Sister Sister. And then she walked out. No, she really walked out.
On Drag Race, there's certainly have been moments in lip syncs where it has become clear to all of us that one of the contestants has given up and decided to go home. We've had Adore Delano withdraw from RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars while BenDeLaCreme eliminated herself. But have we seen a queen pretend as if she's going to compete to stay and then just walk out while RuPaul maintained a face as if she was not bothered?! I think not.
Ginny Lemon, you will always be remembered.
RELATED | 'Drag Race U.K.' Series 2: Judges, Pandemic Changes, Teasers and More
