RuPaul's Drag Race star Katya cancels Birmingham show due to mental health issues

The American 35-year-old drag artist announced via an Instagram live video she would be taking a break from drag, which has led to her cancelling her UK tour, to focus on her health.

Katya, whose real name is Brian McCook, recorded the video entirely in French. In it, he said: “I’m tired, I’m exhausted, my brain doesn’t work anymore, because of the drugs, because of all the gigs.

"I need to take vacations, like a normal person.

“I’m not dying, I want to live. I’m a drug addict, but I’m sober. Today, and yesterday. And before.

"But I need to take a vacation, because I want to survive, like Gloria Gaynor.”

Watch a translated version of the video here:

WARNING: This is an Instagram live video, so there may be some comments that some viewers may find offensive

The Boston star was set to perform his first solo show as Katya entitled Help Me I'm Dying in seven different venues across the UK.

The show focuses on Katya's life and daily occurrences as a drag queen.

A statement he released after deleting the Instagram video stated: "Hi, my name is not Katya. I am Brian, a recovering drug addict and workaholic.

“I need to take some personal time for my mental health to heal and recover.

“All of my tours and shows will be postponed until 2019. Your local venue will provide you an update over the next several weeks.

"Peace be with you."

He was due to perform at Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre on February 5.

A statement from the city centre venue has said that "All 'Help Me I'm Dying' UK Tour dates are being rescheduled for spring 2019 and all tickets will remain valid.

"We will be announcing the rescheduled dates as soon as possible.

"We are sending all our love and positivity to Brian as he takes the time to heal and recover."

Katya rose to prominence during season seven of RuPaul's Drag Race alongside the likes of Trixie Mattel, Pearl and Violet Chachki.

Her endearing attitude and comical moments saw her crowned Miss Congeniality during season seven, and return to the race in RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 2 alongside Alyssa Edwards, Roxxxy Andrews, Detox and Alaska 5000.

In 2017 Katya and season seven co-star Trixie landed their own television show on Viceland, The Trixie and Katya Show, following the success of their web series UNHhhh.

The Katya retiring announcement came as many fans noticed that she unfollowed Trixie on social media.

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