On Air Now
The Capital Weekender with Meg McHugh 10pm - 1am
Drag Race stars lead tributes to Cherry Valentine who has died aged 28
23 September 2022, 13:42
RIP Cherry Valentine
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
RuPaul's Drag Race stars and fans are paying tribute to Cherry Valentine who has passed away aged 28.
The news was announced this morning (Sept 23) in a statement by Cherry's family.
Cherry, who's real name was George Ward, appeared on the second season of Drag Race UK in 2020 and went on to front the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud. Prior to Drag Race, Cherry was qualified as a mental health nurse and returned to the NHS to help with the vaccination drive during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, Cherry's 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," 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."
RuPaul tweeted a tribute to Cherry, saying she was a "bright star and a lovely person"
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
Cherry's DRUK season 2 castmate Tayce said she was "a force, a touchstone, one of the sweetest, kindest and caring people I’ve ever met."
Drag Race UK queen Cheryl Hole paid her respects to Cherry, calling her a "beautiful person" and "incredible queen".
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!
— Cheryl Hole (@CherylHoleQueen) September 23, 2022
RIP @TheCValentine I LOVE YOU ❤️🌹 pic.twitter.com/AI3mWYy7HB
Ginny Lemon said she was "devastated" by the news of her passing.
Just woke up, just found out. I’m devastated and I can’t stop crying
— Ginny Lemon (@GinnyLemon69) September 23, 2022
Another castmate, Ellie Diamond, said she was "in shock".
I’m in shock at the news and the passing of my dear sister cherry! Love you sister! Xx
— Ellie Diamond (@elliediamond101) September 23, 2022
Joe Black said they would "cherish the times we had together"
Tia Kofi said she was "completely devastated" and shared a link to a Book of Condolence for Cherry.
Completely devastated and shook by the news about our friend Cherry. She was extremely kind, generous and talented. 🍒❤️
— Tia Kofi (@TiaKofi) September 23, 2022
Please share your memories in the Book of Condelence and contribute to the fundraiser for her vigil here - https://t.co/2IlBcE4xiY pic.twitter.com/kCRrchBY5i
Bimini said that Cherry's "patience and kindness was their superpower"
At a loss for words. One of those souls so pure, so raw, so real. I’m incredibly lucky to have known George and witnessed their infectious spirit. Their patience and kindness was their superpower. They saw you for you and not many people have that empathetic trait. My heart 💔🍒
— BÎмÎηÎ (@biminibabes) September 23, 2022
More Drag Race queens and fans are sharing their shock at the news on social media.
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
I have no words, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of your family @TheCValentine 💚❤️💚❤️ pic.twitter.com/Xf1ONzuh1U
— TheVivienne (@THEVIVIENNEUK) September 23, 2022
🍒😭🍒😭🍒😭🍒😭🍒😭🍒😭🍒
— Asttina Mandella (@AsttinaMandella) September 23, 2022
Wow, what a lovley lot you all are!!! Thanks for the love 😍 pic.twitter.com/kFWC1MW2U4
— Danny Beard 🤡 (@thedannybeard) September 23, 2022
Cherry was the best of us.
— Elektra Fence ⚡️ (@ElektraFence) September 23, 2022
She wasn’t just a fierce entertainer, she taught us. She was constantly teaching us and showing us how it was done.
Our principled, strong, clever, kind, gracious, brave, respectful and respected Sister.
I keep thinking of all the things Cherry stood for and knowing that laughter, joy and happiness were up there. So i'm going to do my best to bring laughter, joy and happiness throughout my day, on the hardest of days because her values will never leave me.
— Yshee Black (@ysheeblack) September 23, 2022
— World of Wonder (@WorldOfWonder) September 23, 2022
This is terribly sad. Such a sweetheart who had achieved so much for her communities. Condolences to everyone who knew her. So shocked. https://t.co/Ne3isO1q34
— Divina De Campo stream DECODED (@Divinadecampo) September 23, 2022
Jesus fuck I’m actually crying 🍒
— JustSum @ Twitch.TV/JustSum (@IsSumTingWong) September 23, 2022
A very sad day, Cherry was a true talent and incredibly sweet. Wishing my heartfelt condolences to all of her family, friends and all of her Season 2 sisters ♥️ https://t.co/TM8PSMJx43
— Pixie Polite 🧚🏻 (@PolitePixie) September 23, 2022
Rip cherry valentine I love you and your insane artistry forever 🖤
— Gottmik (@gottmik) September 23, 2022
This is devastating news! Cherry was one of the most inventive and gorgeous Queens to ever grace the drag race stage. Her work uplifting her community as well as her work as a mental health nurse will also never be forgotten. Rest in power Queen! 💜 https://t.co/olYA0rI9h0
— COPPER TOPP (@CopperToppQueen) September 23, 2022
Take your rest sis ❤️
— Angeria “Ugaly Bitch” VanMicheals (@Angeriavm) September 23, 2022
So sad to wake up to this news pic.twitter.com/hYDBSQ2hc8
Cherry was an absolute sweetheart, it’s heartbreaking to lose her. Rest in peace, sister.
— Jinkx Monsoon (@JinkxMonsoon) September 23, 2022
Cherry 💔
— queen priyanka - stream taste test (@thequeenpri) September 23, 2022
oh my god this news is absolutely devastating and shocking. thinking about all the sweet run ins we had and convos about how thrilling it is to release your art. you’re so loved ♥️
rest in peace pic.twitter.com/aejtFalOH0
I can’t even believe I have to write this. @TheCValentine you were one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met.Every time we saw each other it walkway pure joy. My heart is absolutely broken. Rest in power queen. My thoughts and prayers go out to al your family and friends… 🖤 pic.twitter.com/Yo6YzAU8kH
— Scarlett BoBo (@ItsScarlettBobo) September 23, 2022
A nurse, a leader, our Queen. RIP, angel. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ab0q9yDeX2
— Yuhua Hamasaki (@YuhuaHamasaki) September 23, 2022
RIP Cherry Valentine 💔
— Adore Delano (@AdoreDelano) September 23, 2022
💔 @TheCValentine sleep well CV pic.twitter.com/MwbenKhG6v
— VINEGAR STROKES (@TheOnlyVinegar) September 23, 2022
RIP Cherry Valentine. Absolutely heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/V2PjfL1xEp
— Eve 6000 🦋 (@alsoabouteve) September 23, 2022
beautiful, brilliant cherry 💔🖤
— michael chakraverty (@mschakraverty) September 23, 2022
RIP Cherry Valentine.
— Meh (@Spilling_The_T) September 23, 2022
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
Winded by the devastating news about Cherry Valentine. I can’t believe it. A true queen. Rest in peace my dear 💔
— Amrou Al-Kadhi 🦄 (@Glamrou) September 23, 2022
RIP Cherry Valentine. A brilliant drag performer who did so much for this world both as a nurse, and as representation for the gypsy community. A profound loss ♥️ pic.twitter.com/5fpuWSk7SU
— jack rem x (@jackremmington) September 23, 2022
We are utterly heartbroken to hear the shocking news that Cherry Valentine has died.
— RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Fans (@rpdrukfans) September 23, 2022
As we try and process this news, our first thoughts are with their loved ones.
Sending our love and condolences to their family and friends. 💔
RIP Cherry 🌹#CherryValentine #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/1MjGXOesj8
