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Rhys Nicholson Joins "RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under" Judges' Panel

"The first words RuPaul ever said to me were, 'Welcome to the family.'"

The U.S. has Ross Mathews and Carson Kressley, the U.K. has Graham Norton and Alan Carr, and now we know who will be sitting at the judges' panel when Drag Race goes Down Under.

Out comedian Rhys Nicholson will be joining the judges of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under to critique the queens alongside Ru and Michelle Visage.

“I just can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have been invited into the illustrious house of Drag Race. I genuinely still can’t bloody believe it," Nicholson said in a statement. "The first words RuPaul ever said to me were, 'Welcome to the family,' and that’s exactly what it feels like. A family. Ru and Michelle are my new mummies. I hope the editors took out the bits were I’m just staring at them wide-eyed trying to comprehend sitting next to them. Being able to be a part of the show and help expose the world to our distinctive and particularly magnificent style of Down Under drag will forever be a highlight of my life and an honor. I hope I didn’t f**k. It. Up.”

RuPaul added: “Rhys Nicholson is the perfect addition to the Drag Race Down Under family. His quick wit, love of drag, and willingness to carry Michelle Visage’s heavy luggage have already made him indispensable. I know our audience is going to love him as much as we do.”

Drag Race Down Under — the latest international version of the Emmy-winning reality TV phenomenon — was announced back in January. It will feature queens from across Australia and New Zealand who will be competing for the title of Down Under’s first Drag Superstar.

Commissioned by local streaming service Stan in Australia and TVNZ OnDemand in New Zealand, the series will be a Stan Original production in Australia. Drag Race Down Under will be available exclusively on WOW Presents Plus in the U.S. and other international markets, with new episodes airing the same day they premiere in Australia and New Zealand.

“I cannot wait for everyone to see that Down Under queens have some of the biggest charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talents in the world. Thank you to Stan and TVNZ OnDemand for providing a platform for these outrageous drag artists to share their heart, soul, and humor,” said Ru in a previous statement.

Shantay, g'day!

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