After Drag Race UK season two essentially provided our only source of serotonin during last year’s winter lockdown, it’s safe to say anticipation is running high for season three. 

So far, the season’s 12 contestants have been Ru-vealed – including a revisit from Veronica Green, who left last due to contracting COVID while filming, and the show’s first ever cis woman to compete, Victoria Scone.

Otherwise, Ru teased some of the guest judge names, which includes the likes of Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Alesha Dixon, Emma Bunton, Bake Off judge Matt Lucas, Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse, and comedian and actor Kathy Burke. Sir Elton John is also rumoured to make a guest appearance, while Steps and Charity Shop Sue are lined up assist the queens during challenges.

Now – ahead of its premiere on Sept 23 – the first official season three trailer has arrived… and, to say the least, it’s a bit unhinged.

Posted on social media with the caption, “Join the party, squirrel friends,” the 40-second clip features the new contestants pouring pints, snacking on prawn rings, and serving lewks in front of glitchy pub and club green-screen backgrounds.

“You alright babes? Mama Ru has an invitation for you,” says RuPaul in voiceover. “Whip off those slippers, defrost the prawn ring, and slip into a Drag Race state of mind.”

Continuing, Judge Judy makes a cameo in the clip, popping out of a champagne bottle as Ru states: “Come as you are, or even better, come as you want to be. Because the only person who can judge me is Judy! So shantay you stay. Love who you are and join the party.”

After its arrival, the trailer quickly exploded online with reactions from Drag Race fans. While some fans labelled the trailer as intentionally camp, others commented on the B-tech special effects and questioned whether the TV franchise had made budget cuts this year. Perhaps a bad year of business at Ru’s fracking ranch?

While we wait for answers, enjoy a roundup of the best fan reactions below.