Premium Content:

RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Cherry Valentine dies aged 28

Drag artist, nurse and advocate Cherry Valentine, AKA George Ward, has passed away at the age of 28.

- Advertisement -

Cherry rose to international fame on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, where she shared her art, her lived experience as a member of the Traveller community, and stories of her work as a mental health nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drag Race production company World of Wonder announced Ward’s death through an online statement today, sharing their condolences.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of George Ward, AKA Cherry Valentine,” the statement read.

“As an artist, nurse and an activist Cherry will always remain a beloved member of our Drag Race family.”

“Cherry’s love and irresistibly infection laugh touched the lives of so many. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends.”

Ward’s family have also shared an emotional statement with Cherry’s fans.

“This will come as a profound shock to most people & 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.

“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. 30 November 1993 – 18 September 2022.”


Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGEDinfo@discharged.org.au / discharged.org.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

Latest

Read ‘Lie with Me’ and head to the Queer Book Club in July

This short novel from French author Philippe Besson is the book of the month.

Inquest finds The Vivienne died of cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use

The drag star died in January after taking the drug for recreational purposes.

Police arrest more than 50 people ahead of Istanbul Pride parade

Homosexuality is not illegal in Türkiye, but public displays are not tolerated by the government.

The Tommyhawks are coming back for just one night

The much loved local band made the announcement of a reunion exciting fans.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Read ‘Lie with Me’ and head to the Queer Book Club in July

This short novel from French author Philippe Besson is the book of the month.

Inquest finds The Vivienne died of cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use

The drag star died in January after taking the drug for recreational purposes.

Police arrest more than 50 people ahead of Istanbul Pride parade

Homosexuality is not illegal in Türkiye, but public displays are not tolerated by the government.

The Tommyhawks are coming back for just one night

The much loved local band made the announcement of a reunion exciting fans.

NATO chief denies he called Trump “Daddy”

NATO Secretary General Mark Ruttte says he never called the US President "Daddy".

Read ‘Lie with Me’ and head to the Queer Book Club in July

This short novel from French author Philippe Besson is the book of the month.

Inquest finds The Vivienne died of cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use

The drag star died in January after taking the drug for recreational purposes.

Police arrest more than 50 people ahead of Istanbul Pride parade

Homosexuality is not illegal in Türkiye, but public displays are not tolerated by the government.