Bala Drag Queen Actavia joins the new season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK

The reality show is considered an unpredictable spectacle, is deeply rooted in British camp pop culture and is known for its endless twists and turns.

In season six, a new group of incredible drag queens compete for the coveted title of Britain’s Next Drag Race Superstar.

One of the twelve is 21-year-old Queen Actavia, who is from Bala but now lives and works in Manchester.

Actavia is the second North Wales queen to appear on the show, following the heels of season one winner The Vivienne, originally from Colwyn Bay and now a West End star in her own right.

(Image: BBC Media Centre)

There were few Welsh queens – Tayce and Victoria Scone both hail from South Wales – but they were some of the franchise's most memorable characters.

Marmalade from Cardiff is also one of the 12 queens who will perform in the upcoming season.

Iconic games

The show airs every fall and, over ten weeks, challenges contestants through intriguing challenges and iconic games that put their drag skills to the test.

Larger-than-life personality and international drag icon RuPaul, affectionately known as Mama Ru, heads the esteemed judging panel.

The jury consists of regular judges such as Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton as well as a number of prominent guest judges such as Mabel and Simon Le Bon.

Together they seal the fate of the queens, but Mama Ru has the final say on who stays in the competition or is eliminated.

The hit show is a World of Wonder production for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, commissioned by Fiona Campbell and Kalpna Patel-Knight, and executive produced by Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, RuPaul Charles, Bruce McCoy and Johnni Javier, among others.

Get to know Actavia

The BBC Media Centre interviewed each of the 12 candidates for “Meet the Queens”:

Tell us something about yourself!

Hi! My name is Actavia, I'm 21 years old and I'm from a tiny little town in North Wales called Bala, but I now live in Manchester. Bring on the Welsh!

How does it feel to be a Ru girl?

This is literally like a dream come true. It's such a cliche to say, but I just can't believe it's true and that I'm here.

How long have you been doing drag?

I quickly became obsessed with all things drag about five years ago when I was 16. However, coming from such a small town, drag was never something that surrounded me. After discovering Drag Race, it just clicked! I've always loved performing and being on stage, so I knew drag was for me, and here I am!

How would you describe your drag?

I would describe myself as a bit of a chameleon and always like to add a villain look to my drag aesthetic, but I am really approachable – promise!

What can we expect at an Actavia show?

On stage I'm alive. When you come to an Actavia show you'll see a mix of camp, dance, energy and a bit of silliness. My shows are full of energy and you'll definitely be out of breath just watching me.

What is the drag scene like in your hometown Bala?

It's really tiny. I always say that the drag scene there is absolutely flawless – because I AM the drag scene there! As far as I know, there is no other drag queen in my town!

What are you most looking forward to in the competition?

I'm a dancer and I love anything that gets me moving my legs. I'm excited to do whatever this competition throws at me and grab it with both hands!

Would you say you are competitive?

I wouldn't say I'm competitive, but I do a lot of pageants and am currently in the biggest drag competition, so really… I guess you could say that!

What would it mean to you to win?

To be crowned the UK's next Drag Race Superstar would not only be the ultimate validation for all the hard work I've put into my drag over the years, it would mean the world to me!