Get ready — the upcoming Drag Race Down Under vs the World is heading far from home.
The next crop of queens returning for the new international all-star season will be flying to Lisbon, Portugal, where the season is set to film, according to TV Tonight. Multiple sources have confirmed the European location for the highly anticipated spin-off, marking a major shift for the Down Under edition of the Drag Race franchise.
The Down Under vs the World series was officially announced in August by World of Wonder, following months of fan speculation after season four wrapped in December 2024.
Michelle Visage Returns as Host — With a Judging Twist
This new spin-off will see Michelle Visage returning as host, after taking over from RuPaul in the most recent season of Drag Race Down Under. Aussie comedian Rhys Nicholson will return to the judging panel, joined by none other than Lazy Susan, the winner of season four.
With filming moving from Auckland (the series’ longtime home) to Lisbon, it’s a longer trip for Down Under queens — but it could also mean a more diverse cast, as production potentially pulls from Europe’s best drag performers.
So far, there’s no confirmed cast list. But some major names have shown interest. Back in August, queens including La Briochée (Drag Race France), Lina Galore (Drag Race Italia winner), and Canadians Ilona Verley and Eve 6000 all took to social media to celebrate the news and hint at potential involvement.
From Auckland to Europe — and Beyond
The first seasons of Drag Race Down Under were all filmed in Auckland, New Zealand, though fan calls to relocate the series to Australia have persisted. According to one insider, a move to Queensland was considered at one point this year, but ultimately proved too complex logistically.
While the move to Portugal marks a big departure from the show’s roots, fans are hopeful it will bring bigger production values, fresh competition, and iconic international matchups.
International Return Queens
This won’t be the first time Kiwi & Aussie queens step onto the global stage.
Most recently, Ivory Glaze represented Down Under in the first season of Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale back in August. While our very own Anita Wigl’it appeared on Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs. the World in 2022. Aussie queens Hannah Conda and Kween Kong also dazzled on UK vs. the World and Global All Stars, respectively.
A premiere date for Drag Race Down Under vs the World has yet to be announced — but one thing’s for sure: the queens are coming, and they’re crossing continents to do it.
