This month we chatted to Birmingham’s own Kitty Scott-Claus on going global on Drag Race All Stars, cooking up a storm in the Masterchef kitchen and an incredible weight loss journey 

Who knew RuPaul’s Drag Race would become as career defining as it has for so many of the queens involved? Maybe RuPaul had an inkling but still, it’s been a remarkable worldwide hit. One of our fave Brummie entrants, Kitty Scott-Claus is riding the RuPaul wave starring in the Global All Stars version of the show.

All Stars involves 12 of the show’s favourite queens from around the world representing their countries competing for the Queen of the Mothertucking World title and a $200,000 prize. When Kitty was asked to be part of it, she was thrilled. She says: “It was so exciting. I loved it so much the first time around. I just didn’t want to jinx it. It’s like the Miss World of the drag world and the timing was just right.”

The show was filmed in October 2023, so Kitty has forgotten some of what happened which means she’s watching it almost like a viewer. “I can’t remember every episode and I’ve no idea what happens in the confessionals.”

LOST IN TRANSLATION

Working with queens from across the globe and therefore getting to grips with the nuances of different languages was challenging at times. Kitty explains: “I learnt that some words don’t translate! I called someone a cow and people were so offended. They thought I was calling her fat! Then I called someone thick, and they thought I meant fat. Nellenia from Italy called me a pig! Apparently in Italy it means sexy.”

Of RuPaul, Kitty says she’s in awe: “RuPaul is like God – the biggest icon and the show has opened so many doors.” The eight-time Emmy award-winning host and executive producer says: “The world is not ready for RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars. Twelve queens representing their home countries raises the stakes to a whole new level. Plus, the international mix of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent will, pardon my French, blow your fucking minds.” Quite. Resident judge Michelle Visage features along with choreographer Jamal Sims and a rotation of stars from across the international franchise.

COOK OFF

As well as Drag Race you might have witnessed Kitty’s successful stint on Masterchef which was a surprise for all involved, not least Kitty. She says: “I got the call from my agent, and I said, ‘what? Have they got the right person?’ I got to the fifth round, and I’ve never felt pressure like it. I’d much rather be on the runway than be given half-an-hour to cook a dish from whatever it might be – in drag as well! It was so hot.”

Despite the outfits being uncomfortably hot, Kitty reckons the mentality of dressing up helped. She explains: “I feel like Barbie. I put on the outfit and I can be anything. So, for Masterchef, I’m not a cook but put on the outfit and apron and I can be.”

BIG BONED

Living a drag queen’s life means late nights working in clubs which is not the healthiest of routines. Kitty’s well documented weight loss of a staggering eight stone was prompted by a chance meeting with a personal trainer. She recalls: “I met him at my hairdresser’s 40th birthday party. He made fitness seem easy, accessible.” Kitty stopped drinking alcohol which was a big step.

She says: “I thought it would be difficult. Working in clubs I just couldn’t imagine doing it without drinking. I’d get drunk and eat McDonald’s, consume about 4,000 calories and feel rotten in the morning, but it hasn’t been difficult at all.” Kitty has completed a half marathon and has just signed up to a marathon. She says: “I was a chubby child. I was chubby at theatre school. I just thought that was me – big boned, but no. Now my size 30-inch jeans are baggy!”

THEATRE KID

Kitty grew up in Sutton Coldfield in a family of six children and was always performing and making people laugh. Theatre and performing was not what the family was about, and Kitty says her siblings all have ‘normal jobs’ like accounting, construction and her sister is training to become a midwife, so she was a one-off at home, always wanting to make people laugh. Kitty studied musical theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre and while there she never wanted any of the male roles always hankering after the part of Chicago’s Roxy Hart or Elle in Legally Blonde.

Of her home town Kitty says: “I love Birmingham so much. The queer scene is the best, full of love and support. When I performed at Birmingham pride it was like coming full circle and I just love the Brum sense of humour.”