George Ward, better known as drag queen Cherry Valentine has died. Ward is 28 years old and rose to fame as a performer on the BBC’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. His family recently released a statement through his agent, confirming his death and asking for patience and prayers from the public.
The BBC offered its condolences to Ward’s family in a statement, saying they were privileged to have worked with the late entertainer. Ward rose to fame as Valentine when she appeared in six episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. When he was introduced, Ward expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and shared more information about his life.
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Since Ward’s death, thousands of pounds have been raised in his memory and will go towards holding a vigil for the late entertainer. Several UK drag racing stars have contributed to the fundraiser, including Lawrence Bolton, aka Tia Kofi, and Luke Underwood-Bleach, aka Cheryl Hole.
Read on to learn more.
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George Ward’s Family Confirms His Death
In a statement released by Ward’s agent on Friday, his family confirmed his death. The statement read, “It is with great heartbreak and deep sadness to inform you that our George — Cherry Valentine — has tragically passed away. This will come as a deep shock to many & we understand there is no easy way out of this. which will announced.”
They wrote that the family is still processing his death and that the loss has affected their lives forever. The statement continued, “We understand how much she was loved and how many lives she inspired and touched. All we ask is your patience and prayers during this time. We love you Georgie November 30, 1993-September 18, 2022.”
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BBC Shares Their Condolences
We are heartbroken that Cherry has passed away. She was a kind soul who brought joy and a distinctive laugh to everyone she met. She brought flair, verve and charm to #DragRaceUK, we will miss her so deeply. pic.twitter.com/4LG7oHaVZj
— RuPaul's Drag Race UK (@dragraceukbbc) September 23, 2022
The BBC also shared its condolences to Ward’s family in an official statement. It read: “We are all shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of George, known to many as Cherry Valentine.”
The statement continued, “A fan favorite and an inspiration to so many, we were privileged to work with him at BBC Three. He will be greatly missed by his many fans and friends. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at the time this is a difficult time.”
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George Ward Rises To Fame As Cherry Valentine
Ward was born in what she calls a “gypsy camp” in Darlington, England, and rose to fame as Valentine on “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.” He joined the show in its second season, featured in six episodes and dazzled fans as Valentine.
During the performance, Valentine introduced himself to the fans. She said, “For those of you who say I haven’t done drag long enough, look. I’ve been doing it as long as I need to. Cherry Valentine, she’s everything. She’s glamorous, she’s dark, she’s gothic.”
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She also revealed that she is a qualified mental health nurse, saying, “I’m not just a drag queen. I qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015. I think it puts me in the right position to understand people a little bit more, and if you a drag queen, you work with people and don’t understand people, I think you try harder.”
The late TV personality also expressed gratitude for appearing on the reality show. Ward said that he never thought he “would be doing this” and that he was proud that he was able to be there. He concluded with, “The world is now my stage, and I’m going to use it. That’s exciting; it gives me chills.”
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Fundraiser In Memory of George Ward AKA Cherry Valentine
Shortly after Ward’s family confirmed his death, a fundraiser was set up and raised thousands of pounds in less than six hours. Fundraiser organizer Adam Edwards thanked everyone who donated and said the money would be used to hold a vigil for Ward.
However, Ward’s family has not confirmed whether they knew about the fundraiser and the vigil. follow ITV news, several of Ward’s former Drag Race competitors contributed to the fundraiser. They include Dexter Clift, aka River Medway, Lawrence Bolton, aka Tia Kofi, Luke Underwood-Bleach, aka Cheryl Hole, and George Boyle, aka A’Whora.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
