The latest series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK returns this August bank holiday, and the 2025 edition of the smash-hit series is set to feature a local and well-known queen from our very own Leeds.
Can't wait for the cult favourite TV show to receive its first 'Yorrrrrkshire'.
Already a classic among the queer community following many years on the air over in America, RuPaul's Drag Race UK is set to debut its seventh season this autumn, and part of the fun is always meeting the lineup.
While there's often a Northern name or two, we understandably were over the moon to see that Leeds drag queen 'Silllexa Diction', announced in the 2025 cast.
Now, for those who are unfamiliar with Ms Silllexa Diction, she is a born-and-bred Yorkshire girl who has been on the circuit for roughly seven years, and an increasingly recognisable name for closer to half a decade at the very least.
At 26, she's been doing drag pretty much all of her adult life, and when introducing herself to the broadcasters, she described two of her key traits as 'silly and sexy'.
Going from learning how to design and make her own costumes at the age of 18 to now hosting her own regular 'WERK' drag nights at the Viaduct Showbar - Leeds' leading LGBTQIA+ club and student for nine years running - she's somewhat of a regional icon.
If you're wondering what to expect from her, expect "everything as big and crazy as possible", with an extremely exaggerated female silhouette and about "12 pairs of giant breast plates."
With stilettos/her big camp boots on, she measures at a towering 7'3" (you'd struggle to miss her on a night out) and with a touching self-taught backstory, she's already our favourite - not that we're biased or anything...
Honestly, it has been a crazy fever dream getting here", she says. I am the first Leeds girl on Drag Race, and it just feels correct.
"There's no girl like me in Leeds, let alone the world. You don't really get many gorgeous, stunning, beautiful, conceptual queens that are also funny.
"I think that's why Ru chose me to be here. I've graced the Earth with my presence. I've floated down from above, and I'm here to make you chuckle and laugh.
Once again, series seven of RuPaul Drag Race UK gets underway at 9pm this Sunday, 24 August, on BBC Three and iPlayer. We already know who we want to win.
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Yorkshire residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic people from Yorkshire are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at TESTBED in February from from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Danny Jones -
22nd August 2025 
