Drag performer George Ward, known better by his stage name Cherry Valentine, has died at the age of 28, his family have announced.
Cherry Valentine gained fame after appearing on the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK and went on to present the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud.
A statement from his family described his death as a "profound shock". Since their time on the reality show, the drag queen and mental health nurse have performed around the UK. Cherry Valentine was known for her warmth and friendliness with fans, with many people sharing stories about Valentine stopping to chat and take pictures.
Fellow drag queens and fans have expressed their shock and sorrow at their untimely passing, with many taking to social media to post photos and videos as well as share their stories. Valentine was a much-loved figure in the world of drag and will sadly be missed by many.
8 George Ward Passed Away At Just 28
On Thursday 24th September, Ward's family revealed that they had passed away at 28.
"It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George - Cherry Valentine - has tragically passed away," Ward's family said. "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," they added. "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."
Ward’s cause of death is still unknown to the public.
7 Cherry Valentine Appeared On Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race UK
Cherry Valentine was announced as one of the 12 contestants for Drag Race UK in December 2020. Although she left the competition early during a musical challenge, she was beloved by fans and fellow queens alike.
Drag Race‘s production company, World of Wonder, released a statement after Valentine's death, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of George Ward, a.k.a. Cherry Valentine. As an artist, nurse, and an activist, Cherry will always remain a beloved member of our Drag Race family. Cherry’s love and irresistibly infectious laugh touched the lives of so many. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends.”
6 Cherry Valentine Was Born Into The Travelers Community
Born and raised as George Ward in the Traveler community in Darlington, County Durham, Valentine presented a BBC documentary about their life, Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud, in January this 2022.
In the documentary, the performer describes how they did not feel accepted growing up and moved away at 18. Ward only stayed in contact with their mother.
They proudly spoke about the issues they faced coming out as gay in the traveling community. They spoke about this experience on the show, encouraging others within the community to also share their stories.
Describing their struggles growing up, Ward explained, “My first memories playing out with all the lads on one of the camps, I felt like I should be playing with the girls in the trailer with the dolls and doing my hair and I just didn’t ever feel like I fitted in properly.”
5 Cherry Valentine Worked As A Mental Health Nurse
Ward qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015 and three years later started performing as Cherry Valentine.
During the global pandemic they worked in a Covid vaccination center, despite already appearing on the show. They said that working as a nurse had “put me in that right position to be able to understand people a bit more."
“If you are a drag queen you are working with people. And to understand people I think you go the extra mile.”
4 Cherry Valentine Appeared In A Charli XCX Video
After appearing on Drag Race UK, Cherry Valentine appeared in music videos by music artists such as Charli XCX and Jodie Harsh.
She also has a song called Aesthetic, released in 2021.
3 Cherry Valentine's Awkward Drag Race UK Entrance
Cherry Valentine had a memorable entrance into the workroom during her stint on the reality show when their elaborate heart-shaped headpiece fell off after hitting the door frame.
She still managed to wow in her black and red Gothic inspired look. In their introductory video for the show, Ward described their Cherry Valentine alter-ego as "glamour," "dark" and "gothic".
2 Cherry Valentine Wowed The Runway On Reality Show
Despite their short stint on the reality show, Cherry Valentine had some memorable looks.
The first episode of RuPaul's Drag Race UK asked the queens to create a runway look inspired by gay British icons. Cherry recreated a Freddie Mercury look, recreating the singer's famous drag look from the "I Want to Break Free" music video.
She also wore a stunning Steampunk-inspired look to represent her hometown of Darlington.
1 How Fans and Celebrities Paid Tribute To Cherry Valentine
Upon hearing the news, fans and friends took to social media to pay tribute to the drag queen.
RuPaul took to Twitter to remember Cherry as “a bright star and a lovely person.”
Drag Race juge Michelle Visage shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “Cherry, you beautiful soul. After watching your documentary my eyes were opened and I learned so much and I thank you for that, for teaching me,” she wrote in a caption to a photo of the performer.
“I hate that you had any doubts about who you were because to me you were perfect. I only wish you were here to teach me more. You were one of a kind with a laugh as big as your heart. This is truly heartbreaking. Rest peacefully, superstar.”
Fellow Drag Race UK star Cheryl Hole wrote on Twitter: "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."