'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' star George Ward, known as Cherry Valentine passes away at 28

Cherry Valentine, known for their appearance in the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, has died. Valentine's agent announced the star's death while the family expressed profound shock.

Valentine's family commented that they were still processing Cherry's death and that their lives would now be different. The family added that they understood the lives that Valentine has touched and asked fans for patience and prayers during their time of grief.

Who is Cherry Valentine?

Originally named George Ward, Cherry Valentine created their stage name, drawing inspiration from two primary things. One was the cherry-scented bath wash, and the other was their grandmother's love for Sherry.


Valentine was added to the name because of their love for Valentine's Day.

Cherry Valentine grew their fan following even before the reality series began. After the series, Cherry Valentine produced two documentaries – Proud and Gypsy Queen.

These documentaries were made to highlight homosexuality in the Gypsy community. Valentine said that if such documentaries had been produced during their early days, things might have been different for them.

Valentine said they invented their alter ego after feeling lost in their authentic self. Then they returned to their community to experiment on whether they would be accepted.

What did the late drag queen say about being accepted?

Cherry stated that the hope that they might be accepted for whom they were got them going. They stated that they left their community to do something different than expected. When they returned to their community, their experience was therapeutic and cathartic.

The identity behind Cherry Valentine
George Ward worked as a professional mental health nurse who helped tremendously during the pandemic.

FAQs

What was Cherry Valentine's real name?
Cherry Valentine's real name was George Ward.

What is RuPaul's Drag Race?
It is a reality show where drag queens compete for the title.

Where did Cherry Valentine grow up?
Valentine grew up in Darlington in Durham.