RUPAUL'S Drag Race UK has put on hold the hotly-anticipated second series amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The hit US series made its UK debut last year, with The Vivienne being crowned the first winner of the British edition on BBC Three.

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5 RuPaul's Drag Race UK has AXED the hotly-anticipated second series amid the coronavirus outbreak Credit: BBC

Fans lapped up the sassy series and were delighted to hear a second one had already been commissioned.

However The Sun Online can reveal the show has become the latest victim in the TV coronavirus crisis and has been placed on hold.

A show source said: "Drag Race was being filmed at Pinewood Studios and was well underway but with everything happening at the moment they had to pull the plug.

"There were contestants on set, as well as talent and the production team and it was deemed far toon risky.

5 The first series of the UK version was a big hit on BBC Three last year Credit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

5 However the show has been placed permanently on hold amid the pandemic Credit: BBC

"At the moment the plug has been pulled completely on the show and as it stands, the second series of Drag Race is on hold.

"It's awful for everyone involved, people aren't working and the studios are empty. But obviously the health of everyone on the show comes first."

A BBC spokesman said: "In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, production on 'RuPaul’s Drag Race UK' will be temporarily pausing filming both in consultation with and supported by the BBC.

"We will continue to review all productions on a case by case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organisation and Public Health England.” 5

5 Drag Race is just one of many shows across the networks that has been affected by coronavirus Credit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

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The second series of Drag Race is just the latest in a long line of TV shows that have halted production as the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the country and the world.

BBC drama Line of Duty has ceased filming series six in Belfast, while it's over top drama - Peaky Blinders - has postponed the start of filming because of the outbreak.

Soapland has also been affected, with BBC serial drama EastEnders revealing earlier today it would be cancelling filming and cutting down to two episodes a week.

Meanwhile ITV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale have both reduced the number of episodes they will be airing from next week.

Elsewhere, the Eurovision Song Contest - which is broadcast by the BBC in the UK - has also been cancelled.

The Vivienne beats Divina De Campo and Baga Chipz to win RuPaul's Drag Race UK

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