SINCE exploding on to screens almost a decade ago, RuPaul’s Drag Race has become a cultural phenomenon.

Now with a prime-time slot on VH1 and a steady flow of fans streaming on Netflix, the show has taken on new levels of success once unimaginable for a marginalised art form.

While drag has always been part of nightlife culture, the reality show which sees drag queens battle it out through a series of challenges, has taken it from the underground to mainstream.

It has given visibility to the LGBTQ community, touching on issues including equal marriage, HIV and conversion therapy and inspiring gay youth.

One of those directly touched by the show was season ten winner Aquaria.

The youngest ever Drag Race winner, aged just 22-years-old, will be performing in Glasgow alongside her former rivals Kameron Michaels, Yuhua Hamasaki, Miz Cracker and Asia O’Hara in 10s Across The Board.

Where once it would have been rare to see an American drag act on a Glasgow stage, the performances have now become an almost monthly occurrence, much to the delight of fans.

For the latest tour, the queens will be putting on their usual ‘fierce’ drag show, with an added theatrical element.

The show, originally headed to the O2 ABC, will be hosted by Victoria Secret and Danny Beard at the O2 Academy.

“It will be high energy, high fashion, tons of dancing, and of course the one and only b**ch from New York City”, Aquaria explains.

“I always have such a blast with all my fans here and have always loved touring the UK.

“The shopping is the best thing. There is so many amazing British designers that I love like McQueen, Stella McCartney, Burberry.

“I also have tons of friends scattered throughout the UK so it’s always so nice to reunite with them before the shows.”

Aquaria, whose real name is Giovanni Palandrani, caught the eye of judges RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley and Ross Mathews, with her flawless make-up and high-fashion outfits.

“I like doing things that make an impact.

“The representation that that I always go back to is a pop star - whether it’s Lady Gaga or Madonna - I love the way those women in pop music have always made an effort to create a specific vision.”

Britain has become a home-from-home for drag talent hailing from the US.

So much so, there is talk of a UK version of the show hitting screens.

Aquaria adds: “Not that I can tell usually but the UK fans are definitely very passionate about their drag queens and have always been so lovely and welcoming and supportive.

“The drag scene in the UK is super fierce.

“I love travelling and seeing the different styles of drag around the world and the scene in the UK is full of so much vibrancy and talent that it’s impossible not to love these queens.

“Drag Race is such a special platform and it would be wonderful for drag queens all across the globe to share in the success of the original.”

Unfortunately for the young queen, her coveted crown is to big for her carry-on luggage so won’t be making an appearance at the Glasgow show.

She will, however, be trying out some of the local delicacies.

“I may have to pass on the haggis but besides that, I’m down to try a deep-fried Mars bar.”

Aquaria will be performing in 10s Across The Board on August 12 at O2 Academy.