Banbury's former Mr Gay Europe lands role on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

Paul Dennison featured in episode one of series eight of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, which is currently airing on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.

The former Banbury resident was educated at Blessed George Napier School before moving to London to pursue a career in entertainment.

Paul, who has long maintained an active social media profile, was contacted by casting directors after they spotted his Instagram account.

He was then flown to Los Angeles to audition for a position as a member of the Brit Crew on the hit BBC show.

Paul appears alongside another Brit Crew member, assisting the drag queens with various on-set tasks while wearing little clothing.

Describing the role, he said: “I’m one of the pretty boys that comes out in underwear, basically.”

Paul said landing the role was “very surreal”, particularly as he and his husband are massive fans of the show and have watched every series.

He said: “Showing up on set was just really crazy. I was walking around the set before the queens actually got introduced to the show.

“I actually met RuPaul backstage as well, which was nice. He gave me two kisses on the cheek, said hello, gave me a hug and we chatted a little bit. It was really fun.”

The episode is available to watch on BBC iPlayer after premiering on BBC Three on September 3.

Alongside his role on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Paul has continued to build a career in acting, appearing in shows across London, while also competing in international beauty pageants for gay men.

Last year, he was named first runner-up at the Mr Gay World competition in Manila, Philippines, after previously being crowned Mr Gay Europe and Mr Gay Britain.

Paul has also had a busy year in acting, appearing in a revival of La Bohème at the Royal Opera House, marking his third time performing at the prestigious London venue.

He is currently starring in Jerker, a play at Waterloo East Theatre, which is running for three weeks, with several performances already sold out.

Set in San Francisco in 1985 during the AIDS epidemic, the play follows the relationship between two men who connect through 20 phone calls.

Paul said his pageant success had helped raise his profile, although he did not necessarily believe it had directly boosted his acting career.

He said: “I wouldn’t say it’s boosted my career, but it has helped with maybe having more of a profile.

“With social media, I’ve had quite a big profile since it began because I’m always very regular with my posting.

“I try to make people laugh on social media, and do dumb things and silly things. Some people don’t like it, some people do.

“For me, it’s just all about having fun, because obviously social media can be quite a toxic place.”