Meet Scarlett Harlett – the working class, East London queen of Drag Race UK season three

We’ve had a lot of London representation on Drag Race UK in the last two seasons. The stylistic divide between the Clapham gays and the East London gays is a recurring narrative, and one that definitely helps to fuel healthy competition between the queens vying for that crown. With season three, London is back with full force representation. And doing it for the East scene is Scarlett Harlett – Drag Race UK’s “Danny Dyer in drag”.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 26-year-old queen as we get closer to the premiere of Drag Race UK on September 23rd!

Scarlett Harlett is a ‘mouthy cockney’ representing her working class roots

Scarlett describes herself as a beautiful and glamorous woman with “movie star looks”, who once she opens her mouth “is a proper mouthy, cheeky cockney. I’m like Danny Dyer in drag!” Scarlett Harlett was born and raised in East London, and says that representing her background is extremely important to her on Drag Race UK. “I am EastEnders personified. I’m the best thing to come out of the Isle of Dogs since Henry VIII!”

On what she’s bringing to Drag Race UK, Scarlett says: “I don’t think there’s been anyone like me before. East London queens have been on the show before, but not like me. I’m the real thing!”

She’s been doing drag for eight years

Scarlett is no newbie to the drag scene, and has been honing her craft for eight years now. She describes her drag as being influenced by amazing women. “I’m really influenced by funny and powerful women. I’m only 26, but I’m an old codger. I love the old divas – Joan Rivers, Barbara Streisand and Shirley Bassey. I have a huge love for British comedy – Catherine Tate especially. I absolutely loved her as a kid and I try and capture her East End humour in my drag.”

Scarlett was an extra in Rocketman and Absolutely Fabulous

Scarlett Harlett has said she’s really excited for acting challenges on Drag Race UK – as she has been no stranger to the big screen in her time. “I’m not one to brag, but I’ve been an extra in films like Rocketman and Absolutely Fabulous. I can’t dance and I’ve got absolutely no style, but I’ll kill an acting challenge!”

Why should Scarlett Harlett win Drag Race UK?

“Representation really does matter to me. I have come from nothing. I grew up on a council estate and I feel so proud to have landed myself on one of the biggest shows in the UK right now. I want people to know you can make a banquet out of scraps. I’m doing this for the Isle of Dogs!”

Save the start date because Drag Race UK season three premieres 23rd September on BBC iPlayer. For all the latest Drag Race memes and Netflix news, drops and memes like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook.

Featured image courtesy of BBC / @scarlettharlett. 

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