George Ward: Cherry Valentine, who competed in Drag Race UK, dies at 28

Drag queen George Ward, known by her stage name Cherry Valentine, has passed on at 28 years of age.

The performer, who made an appearance on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, died on Sunday (September 18), his family announced.

A statement from his family was released on Friday, September 23, saying: “It is with the deepest and most heartbreaking sadness to inform you that our George, Cherry Valentine, has tragically passed away."

“This will be a profound shock to most people and we understand that there is no easy way to announce it. As his family, we are still processing his death and our lives will never be the same."

They continued: “We understand how much you love him and how many lives he has inspired and touched. All we ask is your patience and your prayers at this time. We love you George."

Ward grew up in Darlington, County Durham, as part of the commuter community, graduating as a mental health nurse in 2015, going prior to starting her work as a drag queen

In December 2020, he was declared as one of 12 competitors competing in the second series of the UK variant of RuPaul's Race.

In her video presenting the show, she portrayed her changed self image Cherry Valentine as "glamorous", "dark" and "gothic".