RU PAUL’s Drag Race UK started with a bang last night, but the drama proved too much for one Sussex queen.
Joe Black from Brighton was the first contestant to be eliminated from the competition after failing to impress the judges.
The 31-year-old is a stalwart of the drag scene and was hoping to bring her unique style of “cabaret and haunted glamour” to the stage.
Category is.. Hometown!
— Joe Black (@misterjoeblack) January 14, 2021
👑 Brighton Royal Pavilion 👑
Outfit: Vintage Black Magic
Crown: Bam Hatter
Hair: Dan Chapman
📸: @Alright_Darling pic.twitter.com/SLgihM4Vjx
But he fell into the bottom two after judges Ru Paul, Michelle Visage, Graham Norton and actress Elizabeth Hurley criticised her runway looks.
For the first runway challenge, the 12 queens were tasked with creating two looks – an outfit that represented a British gay icon and an outfit that captured the essence of their hometown.
Joe chose David Bowie as his first look, taking to the runway in a turquoise sequin blazer and an orange wig with a flash of blue eyeshadow.
God Glenn Close looks ... incredible! @Misterjoeblack #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/BKqHVxRChU
— RuPaul's Drag Race UK (@dragraceukbbc) January 14, 2021
In a bid to bring Brighton to the runway, he dressed in a golden crown and long gown to create a look that symbolised The Royal Pavilion.
Speaking about his outfit, Ms Black said: “I’ve come as Brighton Pavilion. It’s a lovely palace in the centre of the city and I’ve got it on my head.”
Graham Norton said that Joe looked “nothing like” the Grade I listed building.
He said: “I suppose in my head it is a beautiful building but it’s white, so the gold was confusing to me.
Isn’t Brighton pavilion beautiful on the inside? Lovely and gold pic.twitter.com/XVfaEAhHJH
— Joe Black (@misterjoeblack) January 14, 2021
“And I guess I thought to embody Brighton it would be something more fun.”
Elizabeth Hurley said that Joe had not captured the correct historical period in which the Pavilion was built.
She said: “I love your Elizabethan ruff, but I always thought that the Pavilion was more of a regency period which, you know, was sort of more heaving bosoms and muslin dresses, but I thought you were great.”
Ru Paul selected Joe and fellow queen Bimini to face off in the lip-sync challenge and fight for their place in the competition.
The pair performed Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood but Bimini’s showstopping performance meant Joe was forced to leave the competition.
Following her elimination, Joe Black said: “I’m feeling very numb. This wasn’t the outcome I expected.
“It is what it is. But, yes, I’m proud that I got here. Very proud I got here.
“It’s been a short blast, but a blast nonetheless.”
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