Ward, who died on Sunday, appeared on the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK before embarking on a TV career and hosting the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud. A statement from their family said: “It is with the saddest and deepest sadness that I announce to you that our George – Cherry Valentine – has tragically passed away. “This will come as a profound shock to most people and we understand that there is no easy way to announce this. 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 for is your patience and prayers at this time. We love you, Georgie.’ George Ward qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015. Photo: George Ward/PA Ward grew up in Darlington, County Durham, as part of the Traveler community and qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015, before embarking on a career in drag. In December 2020, Ward was announced as one of 12 contestants to compete in the second series of the UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race. In their introductory video for the show, they described their Cherry Valentine alter ego as “glamorous”, “dark” and “gothic”. They said their work as a nurse “put me in the right position to be able to understand people a little bit more. If you are a drag queen you work with people. And to understand people, I think you go the extra mile.” After appearing on the show, Ward worked with the BBC to produce a documentary exploring their traveller’s heritage. In the 2022 special, they revisited the community they left at 18. They have also appeared in public and appeared in music videos by artists such as Charli XCX.
