The electrifying journey of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series 5 has reached its end, and Ginger Johnson has emerged as the victor, clinching the coveted crown in a sensational finale. Competing fiercely against the formidable talents of Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas, Ginger Johnson triumphed as the UK’s newest drag superstar. We just aren’t quite ready for this UK series to end – although rumours suggest RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World Series 2 is on its way!
Spanning a thrilling 10 weeks brimming with dazzling performances and stirring moments, the climactic episode witnessed the final trio embarking on a formidable challenge. Tasked with penning and recording lyrics for RuPaul’s new remix version of her anthem “Spotlight”, the queens ventured into uncharted territory by filming a sultry music video portraying them as alluring cat burglars – becoming the first RuPaul’s Drag Race UK stars to have a RuPaul music video challenge.
As the episode unfolded, intimate conversations ensued as each contestant shared their profound journeys – both within the show and as integral members of the LGBTQ+ community – with RuPaul and Michelle. The emotional crescendo escalated as Ginger and Michael were surprised by the presence of their incredible partners, while Tomara was joined by her mother, fostering a deeply touching atmosphere.
Amidst rehearsals guided by choreographer Claudimar Neto (who is shocked to see Tomara as he previously taught Tomara to hip-hop dance in his dance classes prior to her turning to drag), Ginger leaned into her comedic talents as Neto connected with her personality and crafted choreography that really saw her shine. The music video showcased Ginger’s playful antics juxtaposed with Michael and Tomara’s impassioned sensual choreography, culminating in a resplendent runway performance alongside returning queens.
The grand finale runway extravaganza, “Grand Finale Eleganza, Dripping in Jewels”, witnessed the returning queens looking absolutely gorgeous, while the trio dazzled the judges RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Graham Norton, and Alan Carr with their most exquisite ensembles. Ginger brought a matador look that was daring but looked incredible, Michael looked absolutely stunning in a wintry ice queen look, and Tomara showed body-ody-ody in a nude illusion jewelled gown with black long-length gloves.
Following a stunning showcase of style and talent, Tomara secured third place, paving the way for a breathtaking lip-sync showdown between Ginger and Michael. Syncing to the beats of Erasure’s flawless pride anthem “A Little Respect”, RuPaul declared Ginger Johnson the winner, making her the UK’s next drag superstar, following from Danny Beard’s win from Series 4 – who returned with crown and septre, strutting her stuff down the runway in a black leather number.
Ginger Johnson has solidified her reign as this series’ victor and gets to own the crown, the septre, and get to work with the World of Wonder Producers on her own TV show – we cannot wait to watch!
As the curtains draw on this enthralling series, anticipation builds for the next reign, with series 6 already on the horizon, promising another sensational journey of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.
If you have missed any of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series 5, you have definitely been missing out – and we’ve literally just spoiled the whole thing for you, if you’ve read this entire article. Regardless, BBC iPlayer has all the episodes to the series, and more, for viewers in the UK, while WOW Presents Plus has them all available for people in the US and the rest of the world, apart from Canada where viewers can watch the series on Crave.
You can follow all your favourite queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series 5 across all social media by checking out our article here.