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

Fenton Bailey, co-creator of Drag Race, expressed concern over the crisis of queer representation in TV following the BBC's decision to cancel the UK edition of the popular show. Speaking exclusively to BBC News, Bailey did not believe there was a hidden agenda behind the decision, but he feared that vulnerable communities could become even more vulnerable without the show.

The move led viewers to raise concerns about the corporation's on-screen representation, following the cancellation of two LGBTQ+ dating shows. The BBC cited significant financial pressures as the reason for the decision, with plans to make £500m in savings. Other shows, including Celebrity Mastermind, Blankety Blank and Live at the Apollo, have also been axed, with more than 500 job losses announced.

World of Wonder, the production company behind Drag Race UK, announced that future series, including an All Stars version, will be broadcast exclusively on their own streaming platform, WOW Presents Plus. Bailey, who expressed his love for partnerships, suggested that the creators may prefer to go it alone, given the current financial situation of broadcasters.

TV critic Scott Bryan noted the severe financial pressures faced by broadcasters, while author and screenwriter Juno Dawson pointed out the pattern of LGBTQ+ shows being cancelled, raising eyebrows. Bailey also mentioned the recent announcement of Smoggie Queens, which features predominantly LGBTQ+ characters, being renewed for a third series.

Despite the renewal, Dawson expressed concern over the shrinking television industry in the UK and the difficulty in securing funding for LGBTQ+ stories.