Exclusive: How RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under guest judge Maria Thattil is set to 'shake things up' in Season 3

Former Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil is here to "shake things up" as an exciting new guest on RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under.

Ahead of the Season 3 premiere – which will kick off July 28 on Stan – the streaming giant announced the epic line-up of celebrities who will appear as special guest judges.

Stream RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under only on Stan.

Alongside Maria, the epic line-up also includes global singing sensation Adam Lambert, supermodel Rachel Hunter and footballer Josh Cavallo.

In an exclusive interview with 9Entertainment, Maria had one piece of advice for the superstar contestants from one beauty queen to the next.

"I've been on one of the world's biggest stages, the Miss Universe stage," Maria began.

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"I know what it's like to slip out of a bikini into an evening gown encrusted with 90,000 Swarovski crystals backstage, and you need to know how to snatch yourself fast. Then to go on stage and walk confidently – it's such a skill to have."

Maria said to find that confidence, she had to embrace love and self-acceptance. To learn how to "block out external noise" and centre herself.

"There is so much in our lives that require us to be confident. But it's a beautiful thing to be able to drown out that noise because that's all it is," she said.

It's a skill Maria took with her when training for Miss Universe.

"I take it with me everywhere," she added.

Author, diversity activist and now podcast host, the 30-year-old said it's "absolutely insane" that she is a celebrity guest judge for the series.

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"I was so honoured to be asked. The glamour, the outrageousness – I also love everything that the show represents," she said.

"A show that is all about expressing who you are in a world that very often tries to box people in."

In fact, it was a full circle moment when Maria stepped out on set.

"I practised my Miss Universe swim walk to RuPaul's songs 'Supermodel' and 'Cover Girl'," she said.

"When I was there, the judges did their catwalk and they were playing 'Cover Girl'. It was just like a 'Oh my god, I manifested this' moment."

A moment that so perfectly aligned with who she is.

"When I won Miss Universe I think the first thing I said was, 'I'm here to shake things up'.

"Then you have these drag queens who are so immensely talented and are enchanting the world. That's what happens when you live authentically, and it's something I really care about being the first openly queer Miss Universe Australia on that show."

Working with RuPaul, Michelle Visage and Rhys Nicholson was such a surreal moment for the star, too.

"Especially as someone who has newly come out. People like RuPaul, Michelle and Rhys, they are just so confidently, unapologetically and powerfully themselves and are such inspirations to me.

"To be able to sit alongside them is definitely one of my top three career moments."

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The star recently launched her own podcast, The Maria Thattil Show, and has teased that she hopes there might be some Drag Race stars on the show.

That's not the only exciting thing to expect from Maria this year.

"There is going to be a TED Talk, a very exciting fashion announcement, and also I'm making my acting debut. I'm excited for everything to come."

The brand new season of the Stan Original Series RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will premiere Friday 28 July, only on Stan.

Nine Entertainment Co (the publisher of this website) owns and operates the streaming service Stan.