Fans have reacted this week to a TV star's debut as the new host of a returning competition series after her colleague stepped down from the role.
The fourth series of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under launched this week but without RuPaul, 63, as its host or main judge. He's stepped down from those roles, though remains an executive producer, with his long-time pal and colleague Michelle Visage, 56, replacing him on the show.
Michelle - who had already been on the judging panel of the show, which features contestants from Australia and New Zealand - has now been part of the Drag Race franchise for more than a decade. She has been a judge in it since 2011, having appeared on the likes of the US and the UK versions, which RuPaul remains the host and main judge of.
It was announced that Michelle would take over as host and main judge from RuPaul on the show - now simply referred to as Drag Race Down Under - in March. She's joined by returning judge Rhys Nicholson and various previous contestants, who will rotate on the panel in the season.
A synopsis for the new season - which is being released by the BBC in the UK - teases: "New host [Michelle] presides as head judge as a fresh set of queens from across Australia and New Zealand enter the werkroom to prove they are the best of the best."
During the opening episode, RuPaul confirms his departure in a video message to the queens - who are competing for a cash prize of $50,000, which is roughly £25,000. The former host states: "It's my pleasure to introduce the new host of Drag Race Down Under, my best Judy and a drag queen's best friend, Michelle Visage."
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Getty Images)Michelle previously said in a statement: "Thank you, my dear [RuPaul], for entrusting me with one of your beloved shows. The color, humor and outrageousness of Down Under drag holds a special place in my heart. I’m ready to do everything in my power to encourage these beautiful queens to believe in themselves and let their inner light shine through."
RuPaul is quoted as having said about the future of the show: "It has been my great honor to bring Drag Race to Australasia. I can't wait to see the franchise continue to flourish under the leadership of the incredible [Michelle]."
Fans have shared their initial thoughts on Michelle - who has herself competed on Celebrity Big Brother and more recently Strictly Come Dancing - following the release of the first episode on Friday. Reactions have been posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, since the launch.
One viewer tweeted: "Michelle did so good as a host - like no magic was lost from RuPaul not being there." Another wrote: "Michelle being the best natural host other than Ru is no surprise." A third said: "Wow. Michelle did amazing!" Someone else commented: Michelle is like…. honestly… really a fantastic main judge for Drag Race. I'm not surprised, but I'm so pleased."
Not everyone is impressed with the casting though. One critic wrote in a tweet: "Well first episode of #dragracedownunder and what a disappointment. Sorry [RuPaul] but [Michelle] as host is not the right choice. You should have picked a Drag queen to host it. The lack of energy is what we missed from the host."
Another fan questioned why a former contestant hadn't been chosen to front the show, similar to other spin-offs like Canada's Drag Race and Drag Race México. They wrote: "If Ru couldn't host #dragracedownunder anymore why not have a former contestant host it solely like with Mexico, Canada, France and so on?"
Alongside still fronting several instalments in the Drag Race franchise, RuPaul remains the host and main judge on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, with the latest series airing at the moment. Michelle is also on the show as one of the judges.
The new season of Drag Race Down Under, hosted by Michelle, is being released weekly on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer. Previous seasons are available on demand.
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