Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon-Boulash has spoken candidly about their battle with addiction.
The star, who rose to fame on series two of Drag Race UK, opened up about their struggles during a new and emotional episode of their podcast The Pieces. Here, Bimini revealed that they battled addiction in their early 20s but had been sober for a year prior to their Drag Race appearance.
However, Bimini said they didn't "cope well" with their newfound fame after the show and "felt so much pressure".
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This, along with issues surrounding their merchandise where "people were scammed", all "caught up" with the star, leading to what has "since been a battle for the last three and a half years".
The performer continued: "There were times when I didn’t know what I should be doing for myself and sometimes I think that made me look like I felt like I was maybe better than Drag Race, but it’s not the truth.
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"I’m so grateful for Drag Race and everything that I got from Drag Race. I loved it. I watched that show all of the time."
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However, Bimini said there was "gossip within the community" surrounding their troubles with addiction and drugs, which they "felt really hurt by".
"I’m not saying that they’re to blame. I don’t think I was ready to admit things at the time anyway. I came up through the scene where there is a lot of alcohol. There is a lot of drugs. The community really does struggle with it. But I have decided that enough is enough and I can’t continue anymore.
"I have a substance abuse disorder and this is something that is ongoing and something that I am trying my hardest to battle with and deal with. I will get there, I know I will," they continued.
"I can’t keep continuing that cycle, and that pattern, and it needs to break. And the only way to do that is to admit that I have a problem. And there’s power there."
Bimini said they are now "in a stronger place" but are aware their journey to becoming a "happy and positive boss bitch" will be a "difficult" one.
"I can’t say right now I’m free from addiction," the star added. "Addiction is a disease that is always going to be within me, but I’m going to be doing my best to change that. I’m ready to love myself."
For more on drug addiction and dependency, including information and support, please visit FRANK or Action on Addiction.
Alcohol Change UK offers information, advice and support with their questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Change UK's website.
Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).
Readers can also contact Drinkaware.
Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
