Drag star who found fame on BBC dies at 28
A DRAG queen who starred in the hit BBC show RuPaul’s Drag Race UK has died at the age of 28.
George Ward, who was known by the stage name Cherry Valentine, was praised as an ‘inspiration to many’ after his family announced his death on Sunday.
Born and raised in Darlington, County Durham, Ward qualified as a mental health nurse before he took up performing in 2018. He appeared on the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK last year before fronting the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud about growing up gay in the Gypsy community.
The one-off documentary was longlisted for a National Television Award. He returned to the NHS during the pandemic to work in a Covid vaccination centre, sharing pictures on Instagram to encourage the public to get their jabs. A statement from his family expressed their ‘profound shock’ and asked for ‘patience and prayers’ from fans after his death.
It added: ‘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.’
Stars from the BBC Three show also paid tribute to the artist.
Cheryl Hole, who took part in series one, described Ward as a ‘talented and beautiful person’, adding: ‘We have lost an incredible queen and I’m honestly devastated.’
Ellie Diamond, who appeared in series two alongside Ward, shared a photo of them together on Instagram and said Ward’s laugh ‘lightened up a room like fireworks’.
Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins said Ward had been ‘so full of life’ when they met at the Epsom Derby in June.
And BBC Radio One DJ Clara Amfo praised the star for his trail-blazing television work.
Fiona Campbell, controller of BBC Three, said she was ‘shocked and heartbroken’, adding: ‘A fan favourite and an inspiration to so many, we were privileged to have worked with him’.