RuPaul’s Drag Race UK has announced a new bunch of celebrity guests set to appear on the upcoming second series.

After a break of over a year, Drag Race UK will return to BBC Three next month, with celebrity judges joining RuPaul on the panel including actors Sheridan Smith and Elizabeth Hurley, singers MNEK and Jessie Ware and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly.

In the lead-up to the series’ return, the BBC has confirmed a number of other star guests who’ll be helping the 12 queens as they’re put through their paces with various challenges.

Among them are long-serving EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, who will be giving the queens an “acting masterclass”.

Natalie said: “I love the show. I love its boldness, its brassiness, and it’s sassiness. I was really thrilled to be part of it… it’s good fun and it’s just what we need right now.

“As ever the talent is amazing and fabulous. There is so much creativity and humour and good fun from what I’ve seen. Exactly the sort of thing we need to cheer us all up – long live Drag Race.”

Also putting in an appearance will be choreographer Jay Revell – who has previously worked with stars like Little Mix, Liam Payne and Kesha – and UK drag legend Jodie Harsh.

Drag Race All Star Raven, who now does makeup for RuPaul herself, will also be sharing her expertise with the new batch of queens.

Raven teased: “These queens are coming for royal blood!

“Every year the calibre of talent surpasses the previous year. These queens came to win. Win big and prove they are the beat of the best. A lot of heart and soul and a lot of laughs. Crafty bitches!”

Drag Race UK will be back on our screens on Thursday 14 January, airing at the same time as the new US season for the first time.

Get to know the 12 queens taking part a little better here.