Top BBC judge QUITS their series and is replaced by iconic Celebrity Big Brother star in huge line-up change

A top BBC television judge has quit their role in their series and has been replaced by an iconic Celebrity Big Brother star.

RuPaul , 63, has stood down as the host of Drag Race Down Under ahead of season 4 which kicked off this month.

In a new trailer for the Australian version of the iconic show, it was announced that show regular and former CBB contestant Michelle Visage , 56, would be taking the helm.

Michelle joined RuPaul's Drag Race as a permanent judge back in 2011 and has been Ru's right-hand woman ever since, with the stunner also appearing on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars and RuPaul's Drag Race UK .

And while Michelle has only hosted an episode of the show solo just once, for the first time in 'herstory', she will be in charge.

The glitzy trailer for the upcoming series hears the narrator announcing the change, remarking; 'The new host of Drag Race Down Under, Michelle Visage.'

As the TV personality makes her grand entrance in a glitzy black dress, she states to the camera: 'Start your engines, and may the best drag queen win!'

The teaser then sees the star remarking: 'We're back! And you're in Michelle's house now.'

RuPaul will continue to serve as an executive producer on the show.

In a statement about the line-up change, RuPaul stated: 'It has been my great honour to bring Drag Race to Australasia.

'I can't wait to see the franchise continue to flourish under the leadership of the incredible Michelle Visage.'

Meanwhile, Michelle added: 'Thank you, RuPaul, for entrusting me with one of your beloved shows.

'The colour, humour, and outrageousness of Down Under drag holds a special place in my heart.

'I'm ready to do everything in my power to encourage these beautiful queens to believe in themselves and let their inner light shine through.'

Meanwhile, in an interview with Elle Australia , Michelle opened up on how it feels to be stepping into her longtime friend's shoes.

She explained: 'Hosting is a natural thing for me. I've done radio for 20 years, so hosting, I can do in my sleep. But it's an honour to step into these shoes because what I can't do in my sleep is try to deliver something that RuPaul has set such a high bar and won 7000 awards for.

'So when he handed it over to me, he said "Listen, I want to be you. I don't want you to be me. I want you to be you. You're perfect for this." And I said, "You know what? You're right."

'So, I'm going to deliver me. When people watch it, that's what they're gonna get. They're going to get my version of hosting. It's an honour, and was it nerve wracking? Yeah! But I love a challenge. I'm a Virgo.'

Last month, streaming service Stan revealed the premiere date and fabulous new cast of queens appearing in the brand new series.

The new Down Under dolls attended an intimate Drag Brunch at iconic Sydney venue The Imperial in Erskineville to celebrate the announcement.

The ten talented new queens from Australia and New Zealand will compete for the title of Down Under's Next Drag Superstar in the brand new season.

The queen that takes their throne and impresses new host and global icon Michelle will also receive a cash prize.