‘Drag Race UK’ Star Cherry Valentine Dies at 28
George Ward, better known as his drag persona Cherry Valentine, has tragically passed away at the age of 28.
In a statement released by his agent, the family said:
“It is with the most heart wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George—Cherry Valentine—has tragically passed away. This will come as a profound shock to most people, and we understand there is no easy way for this to be announced. As his family, we are still processing his death, and our lives will never be the same. We understand how much he is loved and how many lives he has inspired and touched. All we ask is for your patience and your prayers in this time. We love you Georgie: 30 November 1993-18 September 2022.”
An official cause of death has not been revealed.
Born in Darlington in the northeast of England, Ward was brought up in the traveler community, where he started doing drag as a child. He shot to fame by competing on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and appeared in six episodes of the show.
In his introductory video, he described Cherry Valentine as “everything,” saying: “She is glamour; she’s club kid; she’s dark; she’s gothic.”
Ward also noted that he was qualified as a mental health nurse, explaining, “I am not just a drag queen. I qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked in vaccination units.
Following the news of Ward’s passing, an outpouring of love and support started to come from folks all over the globe, including those close to him during the production of Drag Race UK.
“So sad to hear,” RuPaul himself said in a tweet. “A bright star and a lovely person. Always in our hearts.”
So sad to hear. A bright star and a lovely person. @TheCValentine Always in our hearts. https://t.co/cA0TsMZ0PN pic.twitter.com/78xdx6Vvef
— RuPaul (@RuPaul) September 23, 2022
“We are heartbroken that Cherry has passed away,” the official Drag Race UK Twitter account said in their own statement. “She was a kind soul who brought joy and a distinctive laugh to everyone she met. She brought flair, verve, and charm to #DragRaceUK, we will miss her so deeply.”
We are heartbroken that Cherry has passed away. She was a kind soul who brought joy and a distinctive laugh to everyone she met. She brought flair, verve and charm to #DragRaceUK, we will miss her so deeply. pic.twitter.com/4LG7oHaVZj
— RuPaul's Drag Race UK (@dragraceukbbc) September 23, 2022
As expected, many others—both fans and fellow queens alike—took to the web to pay their respects to Ward.
I never thought I’d have to write something like this about such a talented and beautiful person that was Cherry. We have lost an incredible queen and I’m honestly devastated!
RIP @TheCValentine I LOVE YOU ❤️???? pic.twitter.com/AI3mWYy7HB— Cheryl Hole (@CherylHoleQueen) September 23, 2022
RIP Cherry Valentine ???? thank you for bringing so much fun & laughter during quarantine ❤️ pic.twitter.com/r4WRBqMJo5
— laura♈️ (@lust4lifelaura) September 23, 2022
I’m in shock and not quite sure how to process the news. RIP Cherry. I will cherish the times we had together. An exceptional artist and person. My love goes out to their friends and family and everyone who knew them. pic.twitter.com/ZiJ7mY5DJ6
— Joe Black (@misterjoeblack) September 23, 2022
RIP Cherry Valentine.
Not only were you an incredible drag queen on #DragRaceUK, you were a frontline nurse in the NHS who helped save so many lives!
I know the documentary you did, about growing up gay within the traveller community, will have helped so many people!! pic.twitter.com/dIfuW4CXkM
— Meh (@Spilling_The_T) September 23, 2022
RIP Cherry Valentine. I was lucky enough to speak to her on a number of occasions and she was always so lovely and invested. She was so damn talented and did so much for the NHS and the traveller community all whilst being a fabulous performer. pic.twitter.com/1IHPwrCjIT
— Adam Maidment (@AdamMaidment) September 23, 2022
Rest in Power. Cherry Valentine.
I am truly at a lost for words at this moment.
When I saw the uk promos I knew she was rock the world and she has done that. I am just truly devastated at the loss of Cherry.RIP Cherry Valentine ???? pic.twitter.com/Z0LUS5vuA3
— Delphine Diamond (@Delphine__D) September 23, 2022
On behalf of OFM, rest in peace, Cherry Valentine.
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