Scottish RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner Lawrence Chaney has reacted to the heart-breaking news that fellow television star Cherry Valentine has died, aged 28.
The Drag Race UK star, who appeared alongside Lawrence in the second season of the popular show, passed away on Sunday, September 18, as confirmed by their agent. A tribute issued by Cherry's family this morning confirmed the awful news.
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The family said: "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 and 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."
They added: "All we ask is for your patience and your prayers in this time. We love you Georgie. 30 November 1993 - 18 September 2022."
Lawrence posted a tribute to Cherry on his Instagram page, posting a photo of the drag queen on his story alongside just a heartbroken emoji. Fellow Drag Race UK stars have also come out in droves to pay their respects to the talented queen.
Fellow star Cheryl Hole posted a tribute on Twitter, saying: "I never thought I’d have to write something like this about such a talented and beautiful person that was Cherry.
"We have lost an incredible queen and I’m honestly devastated! RIP @TheCValentine I LOVE YOU."
Cherry, whose real name is George Ward, grew up in Darlington, County Durham, and was part of the Traveller community. He qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015, before his drag career took off.
Cherry was also well-known for their Hit BBC documentary - Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud. This documentary tells the story of George's life as a teenager, after he came out as gay while within the traveller community.
The programme's description reads: "At 18, George Ward left the Gypsy community. He felt rejected after coming out as gay.
"Leaving his Gypsy identity behind, he invented Cherry Valentine, a drag alter ego.
"Now, he wants to find out if he can be accepted as a queer Gypsy and feel proud."
As tributes flood in for the young Drag Race UK star, we offer our condolences to the family of George, our thoughts are with them during this terrible time.
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