RuPaul’s Drag Race UK viewers were left in hysterics after judge Michelle Visage praised a contestant’s fake nose – only to be told it was real.
The first episode of the hugely popular show made its UK debut on Thursday night, with 10 queens sashaying across the stage.
Gothy Kendoll became the first to be eliminated after failing to impress the judges during a lip sync battle with fellow contestant Vinegar Strokes.
Michelle, that’s her nose. #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/bKHQFBNWs5
— RuPaul's Drag Race UK (@dragraceukbbc) October 3, 2019
However, arguably the most memorable moment from the evening came when Visage – on the judging panel alongside RuPaul, Alan Carr and Andrew Garfield – mistakenly thought a contestant’s nose was fake.
During a round where the queens had to don Queen Elizabeth-inspired outfits, Visage told The Vivienne: “Your Queen look was fantastic, you’ve got prosthesis…” The Vivienne cut in: “I haven’t, this is my face.”
An uncomfortable Visage replied: “Stop it! That’s your nose? I don’t mean that rudely, so what you have is full face makeup on, with highlighter and there’s lighter contour but there’s no darker contour so I don’t ever see it like that.
“You have literally changed your entire face, by coming out here like that.”
Visage’s fellow judges cackled throughout the uncomfortable encounter, with Carr wearing a look of shock.
“Michelle, that’s her nose!” RuPaul shouted. Viewers reacted to the gaffe on Twitter.
Dying at Michelle not believing that is the Vivienne’s real nose😂 #DragRaceUK
— Ell (@EllennF_) October 3, 2019
‘THAT’S YOUR REAL NOSE?’ I’m so gone. We are all Alan. #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/dyVETj6Ty4
— jas (@jas_paragus) October 3, 2019
Screaming at Michelle Visage mistaking one of the queens’ real noses for a prosthetic 😩😂 “that’s not your nose!” 🌚😂 #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/bLDFmuuSJo
— Kris (@Krissykins1) October 3, 2019
actually crying at alan carr’s reaction to michelle assuming the vivienne’s nose was prosthetics 😭 #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/gFm9w4uhug
— han✨ (@hanlrey) October 3, 2019
‘THAT’S YOUR NOSE?!’ 😂😂 @michellevisage is everything! #DragRaceUK
— Chloe (@chutch92) October 3, 2019
“Is that your nose” – the best sentence on the whole episode 😂 #DragRaceUK
— Samual Munday (@SamualMunday) October 3, 2019
Can't stop laughing at @michellevisage thinking @THEVIVIENNEUK had a prosthetic nose! 🤣 @dragraceukbbc #DragRaceUK
— R@ymønd (@RaymondSouthorn) October 3, 2019
Oh how good was ep1 of @dragraceukbbc ? I love it!!!!! 💖💖💖Too early to pick a winner but can’t wait for next week. @michellevisage and her nose comment though 😱🤣😂🤣#RuPaul #DragRaceUK @AlanCarr
— daisy lou (@lollipopdaisy) October 3, 2019
Michelle Visage trying to comprehend that The Vivienne’s nose is real #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/YHjebUQrDH
— CaptainShivers🐾 🎃 (@Captain_Shivers) October 3, 2019
Drag Race is hugely popular in the US and has won RuPaul four consecutive Emmy Awards for his hosting.
Its 11 seasons have gained a cult following, with celebrity guest judges including Ariana Grande, Khloe Kardashian and Adam Lambert.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK continues on BBC Three.