Warning: This article contains spoilers for this week’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK got a mixed reaction from fans after revealing the identity of what had previously been teased as the show’s “most iconic guest judge in Drag Race herstory”.
In the past two series, Drag Race UK has featured some impressive guests like Cheryl Tweedy, Spice Girls singer Geri Horner, models Twiggy and Jourdan Dunn, Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall and actors Michaela Coel, Andrew Garfield and Sheridan Smith.
So when a tweet posted on the show’s official page told fans to get ready for the “most iconic guest judge” yet, fans were understandably excited.
Tomorrow is the #DragRaceUK semi-final and our queens are headed off down the Queen Vic for a pint and a scrap.
Join @RuPaul, @MichelleVisage, @grahnort and the most iconic guest judge in Drag Race herstory tomorrow night at 7PM on @bbciplayer. pic.twitter.com/tZur8S6lSQ
— RuPaul's Drag Race UK (@dragraceukbbc) March 10, 2021
Viewers already knew this week’s episode would have an EastEnders-themed challenge, so many speculated that one of the soap’s veteran performers like June Brown, Letitia Dean or Pam St Clement could be putting in an appearance.
However, it was not to be.
The “BeastEnders” episode finally debuted on Thursday night, with the guest judge turning out to be… a mannequin previously used as a prop during the challenge.
Mickaayyyy's iconic one liners #DragRaceUKpic.twitter.com/VhgD8JLN6w
— RuPaul's Drag Race UK (@dragraceukbbc) March 11, 2021
Seemingly inspired by Danny Dyer’s soap character, “Mickaayyyy” sat on the panel next to Graham Norton, and even managed to offer some critiques on the queen’s performances in a thick East End accent.
And obviously, fans had a lot to say about the big reveal…
the most iconic guest judge in drag race herstory?? https://t.co/OshWM7wj97pic.twitter.com/i5Shq07d41
— beth (@bethhcoleman) March 11, 2021
“the most iconic guest judge in drag race history” https://t.co/F9wJwdEyarpic.twitter.com/B3wnkw4MFd
— robbie williams stan (@elliethenerd) March 11, 2021
Drag Race Uk: Get ready for an ICONIC guest judge!!!#dragraceukpic.twitter.com/tUJSv6F6Pj
— Adam (@alittlebitadam) March 11, 2021
Drag Race UK: Prepare for the most iconic guest judge in Drag Race herstory!
Drag Race UK: *reveals ‘the most iconic guest judge in Drag Race herstory’*
Me: #DragRaceUKpic.twitter.com/8ieps62xMJ
— Carl (@_carlburch) March 11, 2021
“Most iconic guest judge in Drag Race herstory” 🤨 https://t.co/I0rMvH9w8upic.twitter.com/9k3rTjRIkA
— Sean💫 (@Sean_Laycock_) March 11, 2021
“The most iconic guest judge in Drag Race herstory” Petition for gays to get a years free TV Licence after that episode tease please?
— Mrs Phil Perry (@MrsPhilPerry) March 11, 2021
Oh k but it WAS iconic because you are all still posting about it and let’s face it, having a mannequin as a judge has never happened in the herstory of #DragRace#justsayin 😂🙌🏻💖 pic.twitter.com/5jb2GJMz6V
— RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Fans 🏁🇬🇧 (@rpdrukfans) March 12, 2021
The best thing to come out of this week has to be Drag Race UK having a mannequin dressed as Danny Dyer as the special guest judge pic.twitter.com/dhpY5skfLE
— Niamh Osborne (@NeeveOsborne) March 11, 2021
I am outraged that a piece of plastic is the guest judge after all the hype, and yet also very happy with this piece of plastics one liners 🤣 https://t.co/QxQyUe1C1J
— Kirsten Adele🌈 (@KirstenAdele) March 11, 2021
I cannot tonight 😭 this is properly cracking me up https://t.co/OciOA459Ze
— sid (@sidrawoodward) March 11, 2021
god bless the editor of drag race uk for cutting to reaction shots from a mannequin during the lip sync. #DragRaceUK
— tweets by cian™ (@CianOMahony) March 11, 2021
In the show’s defence, there’s no denying that we won’t be forgetting “Mickaayyyy” in a hurry…
This week’s episode saw Bimini Bon Boulash scooping their fourth win of the series, putting them in good stead for next week’s final.
Ellie Diamond and Tayce ended up lip syncing for their lives following their performances as Thot Bottom and Karen Bitchell in BeastEnders.
However, RuPaul ultimately opted to save them both after their energetic routine to Steps’ Last Thing On My Mind.
Bimini, Ellie and Tayce will go up against fellow competitor Lawrence Chaney in the Drag Race UK series two final, which debuts on BBC Three at 7pm on Thursday 18 March.