Cheryl The Queen Announced As Host For The Independent Podcast Awards 2026
- Cheryl is an independent podcaster and appeared in the first series of Drag Race UK in 2019
- The Awards take place on 4th November in Kings Cross, London
The Independent Podcast Awards has today revealed that the host for the 2026 ceremony is drag entertainer, Cheryl The Queen.
After storming into the top four on the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, Cheryl has been unstoppable ever since. The hustling diva is celebrated for her infectious personality, razor-sharp wit, and high-energy performances. Rising to national fame through television, Cheryl has built an impressive career spanning live entertainment, cabaret, festivals, Pride events, nightclub and podcast appearances.
Cheryl is also the co-host of independent podcast Killers, Cults and Queens alongside Nikki Druce, where the pair dive into the spookiest, scariest and downright weirdest corners of the world. This year they released the fifth season, with episodes published three times a week, so Cheryl knows all too well the workload of an indie creator.
Cheryl The Queen said: Cheryl The Queen said: “I’m beyond thrilled to be hosting this year’s Independent Podcast Awards. I am in awe of all the independent creators out there making podcasts - we know how much love, passion and work gets poured into them so we just want to be able to celebrate everyone’s hard work! If there’s one thing you can guarantee on me bringing, the glamour and the fun will be in full effect so brace yourself for one fun evening my poddy divas!”
Emma Turner, co-founder of the Independent Podcast Awards said: “I’m delighted that Cheryl will be hosting this year’s awards. We are here to celebrate those creators that don’t get the recognition they deserve, and are always happy to be unapologetically themselves. I can’t think of a better host to bring the love, laughter and hopefully some sequins to the proceedings!”
This is the fourth edition of the awards, which were co-founded by Verbal Diorama and whynow in 2023. Since then the awards have attracted more than 1400 entries, shortlisted 500+ podcasts, and celebrated 75 winners. This year was a bumper year for entries, with over 540 submitted.
Taking place on Wednesday 4th November at Kings Place in Kings Cross, London, the event promises to be a fun night for all. Tickets are on sale now through the Kings Place box office, with both in-person and live streaming options available, and have been frozen at 2025’s prices.
You can find out more about the awards here, and book your tickets to attend here.