Oli Varela (Ry. 2011-18) has officially been cast in the upcoming Season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK under his stellar drag persona, Flesh.
After leaving the College, Oli went on to study English Literature at the University of Oxford before diving headfirst into London's vibrant creative arts scene. Over the past seven years, he has completely transformed himself into Flesh, the self-described "Supermodel of Soho". Blending a deep love for 1990s high-fashion glamour, British editorial style, and an "Español flair" which draws on his Spanish heritage, Flesh has built a formidable reputation as one of the capital's leading drag artists.
In the drag community, artists form "drag families" - tightly woven chosen support systems that mentor and uplift performers. Flesh sits at the very centre of London's drag royalty. She runs the wildly popular bi-weekly show Heavenly Bodies in Soho alongside her drag sister and best friend, Bones. To add to the excitement, the pressure is firmly on: her close family circle also includes legendary Drag Race alumni Krystal Versace and DeDeLicious.
Now, Flesh is stepping onto the global stage to fight for the crown herself. She balances high-glamour poise with razor-sharp wit. (And we have no doubt her academic background and brilliant acting skills will serve her well in the show’s comedy and acting challenges too.)
Season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK officially premiered on Thursday, 3rd September, streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK and WOW Presents Plus internationally.
On behalf of the Old Brightonians, we want to wish Flesh the absolute best of luck!
"I’m feeling the pressure to live up to the high standards that we, Flesh and Bones, have set in the Soho drag scene.” said Flesh in Episode 1, “But I want to remind people that drag is creative and powerful, and we can create positive change... whilst looking absolutely amazing!"