Rita Ora ‘cancelled’ Drag Race UK appearance forcing bosses to ‘replace her with mannequin’

Rita Ora pulled out of appearing on last week’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK at the last minute, leaving producers with no choice but to ‘replace her with a mannequin’.

According to reports, the 30-year-old singer had been booked to appear as a guest judge on the beloved BBC Three series, but was a no-show after an alleged dispute about her entourage.

Due to tight coronavirus filming restrictions, Drag Race bosses were left with little option when it came to filling her spot, so brought in a mannequin inspired by EastEnders star Danny Dyer.

The guest, named Mickey, had plenty of things to say too when it came to the queens, flirting with Bimini Bon-Boulash after her turn as Skat Slater. 

‘Everyone on set was anticipating Rita’s arrival but, when she didn’t show up, producers had to use their heads and came up with the idea of decorating a mannequin,’ an insider said.

The source continued to The Sun: ‘Surprisingly, it worked out OK and became a running joke.’

I Will Never Let You Down songstress Rita came under fire for throwing a birthday dinner for friends at a restaurant in Notting Hill in November during the second national lockdown, going against official government restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Lockdown regulations at the time had banned indoor meetings.

Rita was forced to pay a fine and addressed the dinner party in a statement where she said her actions were an ‘inexcusable error of judgement’.

It was then revealed that she had also broken quarantine rules when she was paid to appear at an event in Egypt in November.

‘I apologise again, unreservedly,’ she told Metro.co.uk in a statement at the time.

‘I would like to add that I have been tested subsequently, including today, and remain negative for Covid-19 and the same is true for all members of my immediate family who form my support bubble.’

Last week’s Drag Race episode saw RuPaul reveal this year’s finalists, with Lawrence Chaney, Tayce, Bimini Bon Boulash and Ellie Diamond all competing to be crowned Drag Race UK’s next top superstar.

The BBC and Rita’s rep declined to comment when approached by Metro.co.uk.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK concludes on Thursday at 7pm on BBC iPlayer.

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