Cherry Valentine Dies: ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ Contestant & Mental Health Nurse Was 28

Cherry Valentine, one of the stars of the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, has died at 28, his family has confirmed. He died on September 18.

In a statement to the press, the family of the drag star, whose name was George Ward, said “it is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George – Cherry Valentine – has tragically passed away.” A cause of death was not stated.

More from Deadline

• 'The Pursuit of Love' Producer Moonage Pictures To Adapt New York Times Bestseller 'A Good Girl's Guide To Murder' For BBC Three

• BBC Greenlights Catherine Tate Comedy 'Queen Of Oz', 'Mayflies' Starring Martin Compston, Show From BAFTA Winners Paul Coleman and Sian Gibson & Season Four Of 'Man Like Mobeen' - Edinburgh TV Festival

• BBC Three Greenlights 'Boarders' About Five Underprivileged Black Students Heading To Boarding School From 'Timewasters' Creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor

“This will come as a profound shock to most people and we understand there is no easy way for this to be announced,” added the statement. “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.”

Ward was best known for appearing as Cherry Valentine on the hit BBC Three version of the U.S. show hosted by RuPaul Charles. He also hosted his own documentary, Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud, which aired on BBC Three.

He was born in Darlington in 1993 and grew up in a traveller community, having spoken openly on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK about drag not being accepted in the community and, conversely, hiding his traveller background from the LGBTQ+ community.

Valentine trained as a mental health nurse in 2015 and helped with the Covid-19 vaccine rollout in 2020, keeping a video diary when the show was shut down for several months due to Covid.

Best of Deadline

• NFL 2022 Schedule: Primetime TV Games, Thanksgiving Menu, Christmas Tripleheader & More

• The Queen Onscreen: 15 Actresses (And Actors) Who've Played Elizabeth II In Film And On TV

• 'Blonde' Premiere Photo Gallery: Ana de Armas Channels Marilyn Monroe At Venice Film Festival

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.