Bones wins RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series 7 crown

Bones has claimed the crown on RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series 7, taking home the £25,000 prize and kicking off a new chapter in her drag career. She teased a celebratory trip with the show’s runner-up, Elle Vosque, as part of the celebrations.

Final night showdown

In the finale, the four finalists — Elle Vosque, Catrin Feelings, Bones and Silllexa Diction — joined judges RuPaul and Michelle Visage to discuss their journeys and unveil their final looks. After a tense run, Silllexa and Catrin were eliminated, leaving Bones and Elle to battle for the crown in a high-energy lip-sync.

Bones and Elle delivered a dynamic performance to You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) by disco icon Sylvester, sealing Bones's victory with a show-stopping routine.

After the win, Bones spoke to INLIBER Newsbeat about the moment, describing it as wonderfully overwhelming and a perfect finale to the season.

Prize, plans, and roots

The £25,000 prize will help elevate Bones’ drag artistry, which is known for its bold costumes and dramatic performances. The performer, originally from Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, now lights up London’s Soho scene and plans to invest in more ambitious outfits and productions.

Bones explained that the prize feels like a creative grant, enabling bigger shows and fresh ideas for the year ahead.

Impact on the UK drag scene

As RuPaul's Drag Race UK enters its seventh series, Bones notes growing popularity alongside increased competition. The drag landscape has become more saturated, placing the onus on contestants to drive their own momentum.

During the season, Bones earned three maxi-challenge badges for top performances, underscoring her consistency throughout the competition.

In the finale, Bones was joined by her mother, Diane, who has been a steadfast supporter and continues to inspire others in the drag community who may lack encouragement.

Fans and critics

Fans like Benjy Kusi praised Bones as a deserving winner with strong runway presence. A standout moment for many viewers was a makeover that transformed classical singer Charlotte Church into Bones's drag sister, Blood, for a vampire wedding fantasy, which several fans hailed as one of the season's best transformations.

While the show remains popular, some fans argue that the Drag Race brand has become saturated with spin-offs in Europe, Canada, and Australia. They urge the UK edition to keep evolving, embracing greater diversity and fresh formats to stay engaging while celebrating its core appeal.

Bones herself believes the format still works but could benefit from further experimentation, while expressing how much she enjoyed her season and the opportunities it created.

Expert comment

Expert comment: Drag industry analyst says Bones' victory underscores the shows enduring appeal and the need for innovative twists as the franchise grows. They add that expanding diversity and storytelling will help keep audiences engaged.

Summary

Bones's win marks a milestone for RuPaul's Drag Race UK, highlighting its continued popularity and the push for broader representation within the show. The season delivered dazzling performances, memorable moments, and a stronger sense of community in the UK drag scene. The prize money will fuel creative growth and more opportunities for Bones in London and beyond.

Key takeaway: Bones's victory demonstrates the UK edition's enduring appeal while highlighting the need for ongoing evolution and broader representation in drag storytelling. BBC News