PC: Entertainment Tonight

According to a statement released by his family, George Ward, a star of the British edition of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” passed away at the age of 28.

Cherry Valentine, the stage name of Ward, who rose to stardom on the BBC’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,” passed away on September 18, according to his family.

The family stated in a statement made public by his agent: “We must notify you that beloved George, Cherry Valentine, has suddenly passed away with the utmost heartbreak and loss.

“Most people will be greatly shocked by this, and we recognise that there is no simple way to make this announcement.

His family and I are still coming to terms with his passing, and our lives will never be the same.

The statement went on to say: “We are aware of how he is adored and how many lives he has influenced. We only ask for your patience and prayers at this difficult time. Georgie, you are loved. November 30, 1993 – September 18, 2022.”
Ward, who was born in Darlington in the northeast of England, was raised in the traveller neighbourhood, where he first began doing drag.
In the seasons 2020–2021 of the show, which airs on BBC Three, he made an appearance in six of the episodes. He defined Cherry Valentine, his alter ego, as “everything” in his introduction video, saying: “She is glamour, she’s club child, she’s dark, she’s gothic.”

Ward formerly held a position as a mental health nurse before joining “Drag Race.” He worked in immunisation units during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a BBC documentary titled “Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud” earlier this year, Ward made an appearance and discussed quitting the travelling group after being shunned for coming out as gay at the age of 18.

In a statement to CNN, Bunning described her client as follows: “It goes without saying that as his agent, my heart is devastated. George was an exceptionally gifted individual with a promising future. He was the life of the party, made a huge impact on so many people’s lives, and I will miss his contagious laugh so much.”

The controller of BBC Three, Fiona Campbell, also expressed her sympathy. We are all startled and heartbroken to hear the news of the demise of George, known to many as Cherry Valentine, she said in a statement posted on the BBC website. We were honoured to have collaborated with him at BBC Three. He was a fan favourite and an inspiration to so many “The many friends and admirers of this guy will mourn him dearly. His family and friends have our sincere sympathies during this trying time.”