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

RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Cherry Valentine has sadly died aged 28.

The news was confirmed in a statement by their family shared through Valentine's - real name George Ward - agent.

It reads: “It is with the most heart wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George - Cherry Valentine - has tragically passed away.

"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."

Tributes continue to pour in for the late star, with one writing: "In such sad shock at the news of Cherry Valentine.

"What an absolutely incredible queen, had the pleasure of interviewing her earlier this year and she was gorgeous inside and out. Rest in peace icon."

Another said: "Rest in Peace to one of the most talented and beautiful queens in the world! Cherry Valentine you will be so so so missed!"

RIP Cherry Valentine. Absolutely heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/V2PjfL1xEp

— Eve 6000 🦋 (@alsoabouteve) September 23, 2022

Valentine worked as a mental health nurse and in 2018, they were cast as one of twelve contestants in the second season of the UK's RuPaul's Drag Race series.

Though they came in 12th place, the British performer earned a sizeable following and continued to advocate for mental health and the LGBTQ+ community.

Valentine, who went by Georgie out of drag, said in a previous BBC interview that growing up in a Traveller community was 'tough' at times.

"At the minute I'm very fluid in my gender… and growing up wasn't easy," they said.

"There were times where I left home for a bit and just had a bit of a meltdown.

"In the Traveller community, there's a lot of pressure on young people to marry, to settle down, to have a family and to get a job to support the family.

"I think that's why I used to lie so much and say I had girlfriends."

That being said, Valentine never blamed their family, adding: "I just see it as something that they always knew and that's how they were brought up, with those very old fashioned views."

They continued: "There's LGBTQ+ people everywhere, no matter what community you're in. No matter who you are.

"I hope the message that comes across is to accept yourself first and then don't really care about what other people think."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677