A DRAG queen has avoided the “curse of Brighton” in the first episode of the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

Two previous contestants on the show from the city, Joe Black and Anubis, were eliminated from the competition in the first episode of their respective seasons.

However, Brighton native Pixie Polite managed to make it through to next week after being declared safe by host RuPaul.

At the start of the show, Pixie said: “As a native Brightonian, am I worried about the Brighton curse? A little bit - but instead of going home first, I’m going to be the last one out that door.”

In the first challenge of the series, the 12 contestants had to serve two looks on the runway, one marking the BBC’s 100th anniversary and another conveying their personality to the panel of judges.

Pixie paid homage to BBC comedy Only Fools and Horses in a drag outfit inspired by Del Boy, with a second look inspired by clouds and rays of sunshine.

The Argus: Dakota Schiffer, from Horsham, faced the prospect of elimination this week after her looks were branded 'bland' by judges: credit - BBC/World of WonderDakota Schiffer, from Horsham, faced the prospect of elimination this week after her looks were branded 'bland' by judges: credit - BBC/World of Wonder (Image: BBC/World of Wonder)

However, fellow Sussex queen Dakota Schiffer faced a fight to stay in the competition.

The judges said Dakota's two looks seemed plain and not to the same standard as some of the other contestants.

One of the judges, Michelle Visage, said: “I know nerves, but you need to allow that to just dissipate because you’re here for a reason.”

Dakota, the first trans woman to compete in the UK version of the show, faced off against Just May from Essex in a lip sync battle to stay in the competition, with the Horsham performer being picked to stay to compete another week.

In an interview earlier this month, Dakota opened up about the challenge of growing up trans.

Dakota said: “Sussex is not the best place for a 6ft 1in trans woman and drag queen to grow up.

“I always stood out but simultaneously felt invisible but I think certainly it’s made me the person who I am today.”

The remaining contestants will form teams in next week’s episode in a girl group challenge as they become headliners at the “Yass-tonbury festival”.

The winner of the show will be crowned the UK’s next drag superstar and get an all-expenses paid trip to Hollywood to produce a digital TV show.