Cherry Valentine: Difference between revisions

Cherry Valentine
Cherry Valentine
	Photograph of a drag queen wearing a red outfit Cherry Valentine in 2020
Born	George Ward; 30 November 1993; Darlington, England
Died	18 September 2022 (aged 28); Hornsey, England
Alma mater	University of Cumbria
Occupations	Drag queen; mental health nurse;
Television	RuPaul's Drag Race UK (series 2); Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud

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George Ward (30 November 1993 – 18 September 2022), better known by the stage name Cherry Valentine, was an English drag queen and mental health nurse who competed in the second series of the television show RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Raised in an English Traveller community, Ward has been credited as the first contestant on the Drag Race franchise to acknowledge his Romani heritage. In 2022, he addressed his background in the BBC documentary film Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud, and in an episode of the documentary series God Shave the Queens. Following Ward's death in 2022, a memorial concert and fundraiser was held at London's Clapham Grand.

Early life and education

George Ward was born in Darlington on 30 November 1993;^[1] he grew up in an English Traveller community in Darlington, County Durham, in the north-east of England.^[2] As his father had done, he was expected to develop a career as a mechanic.^[3]

Ward was raised in a strict environment in which drag was not accepted.^[4] He came out to his parents by writing a letter before leaving home for a week, after which his parents individually took him for a drive and talked but did not discuss his sexual orientation after that incident.^[3] He said of his early life: "Growing up [being gay] did affect me. I don't think I was completely sane at all."^[4]

Ward was the first member of his family to attend university, studying mental health nursing^[5] at the University of Cumbria, during which time he was introduced to Manchester's drag scene.^[6]

Career

Ward qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015.^[7] He began performing as Cherry Valentine in 2016, while still working in a children's psychiatric intensive-care unit and with adults with Huntington's disease.^[3] Ward chose the stage name "Cherry Valentine" for his drag alter ego, after considering several options.^[8] The name was inspired by cherry-scented bath wash and his grandmother's liking for sherry. According to The Economic Times, "Valentine" was added because of his fondness for Valentine's Day.^[9]

In December 2020, Cherry Valentine was announced as one of twelve contestants in the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.^[10] In an interview for the show, she said working as a nurse "has put me in that right position where I'm able to understand people a bit more, and if you're a drag queen, you're working with people. By understanding people, you're going the extra mile".^[7] Cherry Valentine failed to impress judges with her performance in the second episode's Rusical.^[11] By placing in the bottom two, she had to lip-sync to "Memory" by Elaine Paige from the musical Cats (1981) against Tayce. Cherry Valentine lost the lip-sync and was eliminated from the competition.^[3]^[12]

When filming for the show was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ward returned to work in the National Health Service (NHS) to assist in relief efforts and the UK's deployment of vaccines.^[13] In "Queens on Lockdown", a special episode of the series that explores the contestants' lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cherry Valentine discussed returning to work in the NHS.^[14]

Alongside fellow eliminated contestants Joe Black and Asttina Mandella, she appeared in the fifth episode—the first to be filmed post-lockdown—"The RuRuvision Song Contest" for a chance to return to the competition and replace Veronica Green, who was forced to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19. The remaining contestants, however, voted for Joe Black to return.^[15]

All eliminated contestants also returned to participate in the final challenge, which saw the cast perform to RuPaul's song "A Little Bit of Love" (1997).^[16] Cherry Valentine's last appearance on the series was in the grand finale alongside the entire cast.^[17] Sam Damshenas of Gay Times said her run on the show was "short-lived" but "the star won the hearts of viewers with her fierce aesthetic and charismatic confessionals, as well as her inspiring journey from traveller to drag superstar".^[11]

Following Drag Race UK, Cherry Valentine released the dance-pop tracks "Aesthetic" and "Iconic" as singles in 2021,^[18] followed by "Stay Here Forever" in 2022.^[19] She also appeared in music videos for "My House" by Jodie Harsh and "Good Ones" by Charli XCX in 2021.^[20]^[21] In February 2022, she and the rest of the series's contestants embarked on RuPaul's Drag Race UK: The Official Tour.^[22]^[23]

Cherry Valentine was the subject of the second series premiere of God Shave the Queens, a documentary about the tour. In the episode, Ward reflected on his 2022 documentary Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud about being raised within the English Traveller community.^[24]^[25] It was the first time he had returned to the Traveller community since he left home at 18.^[2] He was "absolutely terrified" to make the film and was "unsure 'which route to go down' due to a significant lack of mainstream attention and education on LGBTQ+ Travellers", according to Damshenas, who also said the documentary "received widespread critical acclaim".^[18] Ward has been credited as the first contestant on the Drag Race franchise to address his Romani heritage (series 1 winner The Vivienne has since also acknowledged her Romani background).^[26]^[27]^[28]

Personal life

Described as genderfluid^[5] and queer,^[18] Ward used he/they pronouns when not in drag.^[29] As part of the LGBT community, Ward hid his Traveller heritage because he feared he might receive "hate or backlash".^[4]

Death

Ward died in the north London district of Hornsey on 18 September 2022 at age 28.^[30] A coroner's inquest on 9 February 2023 recorded Ward's death as suicide by hanging.^[31] Following the announcement of his death, numerous Drag Race contestants paid tribute to him; these included fellow series 2 contestants Asttina Mandella, A'Whora, Bimini Bon-Boulash, Ellie Diamond, Ginny Lemon, Joe Black, Lawrence Chaney, Sister Sister, Tayce, and Tia Kofi, as well as Baga Chipz, Cheryl Hole, Priyanka, Sum Ting Wong, and The Vivienne. RuPaul described Ward as a "bright star and a lovely person" who would "always be in [their] hearts", and Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said Ward was "one of a kind with a laugh as big as [his] heart".^[32]^[33]

A series 4 episode of Drag Race UK featured an in memoriam segment following the regular credits, the Cherry's Legacy Fundraiser on GoFundMe exceeded its £10,000 goal, and the organisers of RuPaul's DragCon UK announced that a condolence book would be dedicated to Cherry Valentine. In October 2022, Cherry Valentine's production company Throne Events announced a memorial concert to be held at Clapham Grand in London in November. Tickets to Iconic: The Cherry Valentine Memorial Concert were made available at no cost, with donations benefitting her legacy fund and mental health charities.^[34]^[35] The livestreamed concert featured performances by Drag Race UK contestants Elektra Fence and Joe Black, as well as the group Traveller Pride. Attendees had the chance to pay their respects by scattering rose petals around Cherry Valentine's entrance look on the show.^[36]

Filmography

Film

List of film credits
Year	Title	Role	Notes	Ref.
2022	Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud	Herself	BBC documentary	^[37]

Television

List of television credits
Year	Title	Role	Notes	Ref.
2021	RuPaul's Drag Race UK (series 2)	Herself/Contestant	12th place	^[10]
2022	God Shave the Queens	Herself	Series 2	^[38]

Music videos


Year	Title	Artist	Ref.
2021	"My House"	Jodie Harsh	^[20]
2021	"Aesthetic"	Cherry Valentine	^[39]
2022	"Good Ones"	Charli XCX	^[40]

Discography

Singles

Title	Year	Album	Ref.
"Aesthetic"	2021	Non-album single	^[39]
"Iconic"	2021		^[41]
"Stay Here Forever"	2022		^[19]

As a featured artist

Title	Year	Album	Ref.
"A Little Bit of Love" (among The Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Series 2)	2021	Non-album single	^[42]

References

^ Vlessing, Etan (23 September 2022). "RuPaul's Drag Race U.K. Contestant George Ward, Known as Cherry Valentine, Dies at 28". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
^ ^a ^b Ravindran, Manori (23 September 2022). "RuPaul's Drag Race U.K. Contestant George Ward, Known as Cherry Valentine, Dies at 28". Variety. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "George Ward, mental health nurse who as Cherry Valentine lit up RuPaul's Drag Race UK – obituary". The Daily Telegraph. 23 September 2022. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
^ ^a ^b ^c Day, Harvey (22 January 2021). "Drag Race UK's Cherry Valentine on the 'fabulous' Traveller women in their family who inspire their drag". BBC Three. Archived from the original on 22 January 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
^ ^a ^b Gallier, Thea de (25 January 2022). "Cherry Valentine: 'My family know my sexuality, but we don't talk about it'". BBC Three. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
^ Ovens, Eleanor (24 September 2022). "University of Cumbria graduate and Drag Race star dies aged 28". The Mail. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
^ ^a ^b Meet Cherry Valentine | RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series 2 (Television production). BBC Three. 16 December 2020. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2023 – via YouTube.
^ "21 questions with Drag Race UK's Cherry Valentine". Attitude. 23 July 2021. Archived from the original on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
^ "RuPaul's Drag Race UK star George Ward, known as Cherry Valentine passes away at 28". The Economic Times. 23 September 2022. ISSN 0013-0389. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ ^a ^b "Meet The Queens of RPDR UK S2!". BBC Online. 16 December 2020. Archived from the original on 16 December 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
^ ^a ^b "Exclusive: Cherry Valentine spills the T on that Drag Race UK lip-sync and her emotional exit". Gay Times. 22 January 2021. Archived from the original on 4 October 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ "Another queen sashays away on RuPaul's Drag Race UK". The Irish News. 21 January 2021. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ "Drag Race UK: Cherry Valentine tells of 'rollercoaster' year". BBC News. 14 January 2021. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
^ "RuPaul's Drag Race UK: Queens on Lockdown". BBC iPlayer. 16 February 2021. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
^ Moylan, Brian (11 February 2021). "RuPaul's Drag Race U.K. Recap, Season 2 Episode 5". Vulture. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
^ Lockwood, Tasmin (19 March 2021). "Darlington drag queen returns to screens as RuPaul's Drag Race UK crowns winner". The Northern Echo. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
^ Moylan, Brian (18 March 2021). "RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2 Grand Finale Recap Episode 10". Vulture. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Exclusive: Drag Race UK star Cherry Valentine talks "overwhelming" response to BBC doc". Gay Times. 1 February 2022. Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ ^a ^b "Stay Here Forever". Amazon Music. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
^ ^a ^b Jodie Harsh – My House (Official Video) (Videotape). 5 March 2021. Archived from the original on 12 March 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2023 – via YouTube.
^ Fisher, Justine (26 September 2022). "Cherry Valentine Dies at 28". Paper. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ "RuPaul's Drag Race UK Tour". Voss Events. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
^ "RuPaul's Drag Race UK: The Official Tour". Data Thistle. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
^ Richardson, Hollie (30 November 2022). "TV tonight: backstage revelations with RuPaul's UK drag queens on tour". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ "Cherry Valentine, Star of Drag Race UK Season 2, Dies at 28". Yahoo! Entertainment. Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ Hansford, Amelia (25 September 2022). "Cherry Valentine shut down arguments over child-friendly drag in most perfect way". PinkNews. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
^ Factora, James (23 September 2022). "Cherry Valentine, Drag Race UK Star, Nurse, and Advocate, Dies at 28". Them. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
^ "The Vivienne On Her Early Days Of Drag: 'They Offered Me A Blue WKD And 30 Quid'". Grazia. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ Frank, Jason P. (23 September 2022). "Cherry Valentine, RuPaul's Drag Race U.K. Season-Two Competitor, Dead at 28". Vulture. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
^ "Cherry Valentine: Drag Race UK star George Ward dies". BBC News. 23 September 2022. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
^ "Cherry Valentine: Drag Race star George Ward 'struggled with fame' – inquest". BBC News. 10 February 2023. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
^ Earp, Catherine (23 September 2022). "RuPaul's Drag Race queens pay tribute to Cherry Valentine following tragic death". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
^ Duncan, Charlie (23 September 2022). "RuPaul and Michelle Visage pay tribute to Drag Race UK's Cherry Valentine, dead at 28". PinkNews. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
^ Maskell, Emily (26 October 2022). "Cherry Valentine Memorial Concert to honour late Drag Race UK star". Attitude. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ Duncan, Charlie (24 October 2022). "Memorial concert announced for late Drag Race UK star Cherry Valentine, dead at 28". PinkNews. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ "Drag Race UK stars honour Cherry Valentine in heartfelt memorial concert". Gay Times. 29 November 2022. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ Brocklehurst, Harrison (25 January 2022). "We spoke to Drag Race UK's Cherry Valentine about her 'emotional' new documentary". The Tab. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
^ "Cherry Valentine – Season 2". WOW Presents Plus. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
^ ^a ^b Aesthetic – Official Lyric Video | Cherry Valentine (Videotape). 14 April 2021. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2023 – via YouTube.
^ Lavin, Will (1 November 2021). "RuPaul's Drag Race UK stars share Halloween performance of Charli XCX's 'Good Ones'". NME. Archived from the original on 26 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
^ "Iconic". Amazon Music. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
^ "A Little Bit of Love (Cast Version) [feat. The Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Season 2] by RuPaul". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 5 May 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2023.

External links

[1] Vlessing, Etan (23 September 2022). "RuPaul's Drag Race U.K. Contestant George Ward, Known as Cherry Valentine, Dies at 28". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.

[Ravindran-2] Ravindran, Manori (23 September 2022). "RuPaul's Drag Race U.K. Contestant George Ward, Known as Cherry Valentine, Dies at 28". Variety. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.

[tele-obit-3] "George Ward, mental health nurse who as Cherry Valentine lit up RuPaul's Drag Race UK – obituary". The Daily Telegraph. 23 September 2022. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.

[Harvey-Day-2021-4] Day, Harvey (22 January 2021). "Drag Race UK's Cherry Valentine on the 'fabulous' Traveller women in their family who inspire their drag". BBC Three. Archived from the original on 22 January 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.

[:8-5] Gallier, Thea de (25 January 2022). "Cherry Valentine: 'My family know my sexuality, but we don't talk about it'". BBC Three. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.

[6] Ovens, Eleanor (24 September 2022). "University of Cumbria graduate and Drag Race star dies aged 28". The Mail. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2022.

[:1-7] Meet Cherry Valentine | RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series 2 (Television production). BBC Three. 16 December 2020. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2023 – via YouTube.

[8] "21 questions with Drag Race UK's Cherry Valentine". Attitude. 23 July 2021. Archived from the original on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2022.

[9] "RuPaul's Drag Race UK star George Ward, known as Cherry Valentine passes away at 28". The Economic Times. 23 September 2022. ISSN 0013-0389. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[:0-10] "Meet The Queens of RPDR UK S2!". BBC Online. 16 December 2020. Archived from the original on 16 December 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2021.

[:6-11] "Exclusive: Cherry Valentine spills the T on that Drag Race UK lip-sync and her emotional exit". Gay Times. 22 January 2021. Archived from the original on 4 October 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[12] "Another queen sashays away on RuPaul's Drag Race UK". The Irish News. 21 January 2021. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[13] "Drag Race UK: Cherry Valentine tells of 'rollercoaster' year". BBC News. 14 January 2021. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.

[14] "RuPaul's Drag Race UK: Queens on Lockdown". BBC iPlayer. 16 February 2021. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.

[15] Moylan, Brian (11 February 2021). "RuPaul's Drag Race U.K. Recap, Season 2 Episode 5". Vulture. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.

[16] Lockwood, Tasmin (19 March 2021). "Darlington drag queen returns to screens as RuPaul's Drag Race UK crowns winner". The Northern Echo. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.

[17] Moylan, Brian (18 March 2021). "RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2 Grand Finale Recap Episode 10". Vulture. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.

[:5-18] "Exclusive: Drag Race UK star Cherry Valentine talks "overwhelming" response to BBC doc". Gay Times. 1 February 2022. Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[:2-19] "Stay Here Forever". Amazon Music. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.

[:7-20] Jodie Harsh – My House (Official Video) (Videotape). 5 March 2021. Archived from the original on 12 March 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2023 – via YouTube.

[21] Fisher, Justine (26 September 2022). "Cherry Valentine Dies at 28". Paper. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[:4-22] "RuPaul's Drag Race UK Tour". Voss Events. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.

[23] "RuPaul's Drag Race UK: The Official Tour". Data Thistle. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.

[24] Richardson, Hollie (30 November 2022). "TV tonight: backstage revelations with RuPaul's UK drag queens on tour". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[25] "Cherry Valentine, Star of Drag Race UK Season 2, Dies at 28". Yahoo! Entertainment. Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[26] Hansford, Amelia (25 September 2022). "Cherry Valentine shut down arguments over child-friendly drag in most perfect way". PinkNews. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.

[27] Factora, James (23 September 2022). "Cherry Valentine, Drag Race UK Star, Nurse, and Advocate, Dies at 28". Them. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2022.

[28] "The Vivienne On Her Early Days Of Drag: 'They Offered Me A Blue WKD And 30 Quid'". Grazia. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[:3-29] Frank, Jason P. (23 September 2022). "Cherry Valentine, RuPaul's Drag Race U.K. Season-Two Competitor, Dead at 28". Vulture. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2023.

[30] "Cherry Valentine: Drag Race UK star George Ward dies". BBC News. 23 September 2022. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.

[Hornsey-31] "Cherry Valentine: Drag Race star George Ward 'struggled with fame' – inquest". BBC News. 10 February 2023. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.

[32] Earp, Catherine (23 September 2022). "RuPaul's Drag Race queens pay tribute to Cherry Valentine following tragic death". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.

[33] Duncan, Charlie (23 September 2022). "RuPaul and Michelle Visage pay tribute to Drag Race UK's Cherry Valentine, dead at 28". PinkNews. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.

[34] Maskell, Emily (26 October 2022). "Cherry Valentine Memorial Concert to honour late Drag Race UK star". Attitude. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[35] Duncan, Charlie (24 October 2022). "Memorial concert announced for late Drag Race UK star Cherry Valentine, dead at 28". PinkNews. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[36] "Drag Race UK stars honour Cherry Valentine in heartfelt memorial concert". Gay Times. 29 November 2022. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[37] Brocklehurst, Harrison (25 January 2022). "We spoke to Drag Race UK's Cherry Valentine about her 'emotional' new documentary". The Tab. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.

[38] "Cherry Valentine – Season 2". WOW Presents Plus. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.

[Aesthetic-39] Aesthetic – Official Lyric Video | Cherry Valentine (Videotape). 14 April 2021. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2023 – via YouTube.

[40] Lavin, Will (1 November 2021). "RuPaul's Drag Race UK stars share Halloween performance of Charli XCX's 'Good Ones'". NME. Archived from the original on 26 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.

[41] "Iconic". Amazon Music. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.

[42] "A Little Bit of Love (Cast Version) [feat. The Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Season 2] by RuPaul". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 5 May 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2023.

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 == Early life and education ==
-George Ward was born in [[Darlington]] on 30 November 1993.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vlessing |first1=Etan |date=23 September 2022 |title=''RuPaul's Drag Race U.K.'' Contestant George Ward, Known as Cherry Valentine, Dies at 28 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cherry-valentine-dead-rupauls-drag-race-uk-george-ward-dies-1235226155/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926211553/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cherry-valentine-dead-rupauls-drag-race-uk-george-ward-dies-1235226155/ |archive-date=26 September 2022}}</ref> As his father had done, he was expected to develop a career as a [[mechanic]].<ref name="tele-obit">{{cite news |date=23 September 2022 |title=George Ward, mental health nurse who as Cherry Valentine lit up ''RuPaul's Drag Race UK'' – obituary |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2022/09/23/george-ward-mental-health-nurse-who-cherry-valentine-lit-rupauls/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926092731/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2022/09/23/george-ward-mental-health-nurse-who-cherry-valentine-lit-rupauls/ |archive-date=26 September 2022}}</ref> He was the first member of his family to attend university, studying [[mental health nursing]]<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Gallier |first=Thea de |date=25 January 2022 |title=Cherry Valentine: 'My family know my sexuality, but we don't talk about it' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/d35e54ed-9297-46a2-a018-64e409b29856 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228031426/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/d35e54ed-9297-46a2-a018-64e409b29856 |archive-date=28 February 2023 |access-date=28 February 2023 |website=[[BBC Three]]}}</ref> at the [[University of Cumbria]], during which time he was introduced to [[Manchester]]'s [[Drag (entertainment)|drag]] scene.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ovens |first1=Eleanor |date=24 September 2022 |title=University of Cumbria graduate and ''Drag Race'' star dies aged 28 |work=[[The Mail (Cumbria)|The Mail]] |url=https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/22610387.rupauls-drag-race-star-university-cumbria-graduate-cherry-valentine-dies-aged-28/ |url-status=live |access-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924135425/https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/22610387.rupauls-drag-race-star-university-cumbria-graduate-cherry-valentine-dies-aged-28/ |archive-date=24 September 2022}}</ref>
+George Ward was born in [[Darlington]] on 30 November 1993;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vlessing |first1=Etan |date=23 September 2022 |title=''RuPaul's Drag Race U.K.'' Contestant George Ward, Known as Cherry Valentine, Dies at 28 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cherry-valentine-dead-rupauls-drag-race-uk-george-ward-dies-1235226155/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926211553/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cherry-valentine-dead-rupauls-drag-race-uk-george-ward-dies-1235226155/ |archive-date=26 September 2022}}</ref> he grew up in an English Traveller community in [[Darlington]], [[County Durham]], in the [[north-east of England]].<ref name="Ravindran">{{cite news |last1=Ravindran |first1=Manori |date=23 September 2022 |title=''RuPaul's Drag Race U.K.'' Contestant George Ward, Known as Cherry Valentine, Dies at 28 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/cherry-valentine-dies-dead-drag-race-uk-1235381429/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065753/https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/cherry-valentine-dies-dead-drag-race-uk-1235381429/ |archive-date=26 September 2022}}</ref> As his father had done, he was expected to develop a career as a [[mechanic]].<ref name="tele-obit">{{cite news |date=23 September 2022 |title=George Ward, mental health nurse who as Cherry Valentine lit up ''RuPaul's Drag Race UK'' – obituary |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2022/09/23/george-ward-mental-health-nurse-who-cherry-valentine-lit-rupauls/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926092731/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2022/09/23/george-ward-mental-health-nurse-who-cherry-valentine-lit-rupauls/ |archive-date=26 September 2022}}</ref>
+Ward was raised in a strict environment in which drag was not accepted.<ref name="Harvey-Day-2021">{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Harvey |date=22 January 2021 |title=''Drag Race UK''{{'}}s Cherry Valentine on the 'fabulous' Traveller women in their family who inspire their drag |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/d631f4cb-8f13-472e-a94a-5a0f873187e2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122125814/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/d631f4cb-8f13-472e-a94a-5a0f873187e2 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=7 May 2021 |website=[[BBC Three]]}}</ref> He [[Coming out|came out]] to his parents by writing a letter before leaving home for a week, after which his parents individually took him for a drive and talked but did not discuss his sexual orientation after that incident.<ref name="tele-obit" /> He said of his early life: "Growing up [being gay] did affect me. I don't think I was completely sane at all."<ref name="Harvey-Day-2021" />
+Ward was the first member of his family to attend university, studying [[mental health nursing]]<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Gallier |first=Thea de |date=25 January 2022 |title=Cherry Valentine: 'My family know my sexuality, but we don't talk about it' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/d35e54ed-9297-46a2-a018-64e409b29856 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228031426/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/d35e54ed-9297-46a2-a018-64e409b29856 |archive-date=28 February 2023 |access-date=28 February 2023 |website=[[BBC Three]]}}</ref> at the [[University of Cumbria]], during which time he was introduced to [[Manchester]]'s [[Drag (entertainment)|drag]] scene.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ovens |first1=Eleanor |date=24 September 2022 |title=University of Cumbria graduate and ''Drag Race'' star dies aged 28 |work=[[The Mail (Cumbria)|The Mail]] |url=https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/22610387.rupauls-drag-race-star-university-cumbria-graduate-cherry-valentine-dies-aged-28/ |url-status=live |access-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924135425/https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/22610387.rupauls-drag-race-star-university-cumbria-graduate-cherry-valentine-dies-aged-28/ |archive-date=24 September 2022}}</ref>
 == Career ==
@@ Line 39: / Line 43: @@
 Following ''Drag Race UK'', Cherry Valentine released the [[dance-pop]] tracks "Aesthetic" and "Iconic" as [[Single (music)|singles]] in 2021,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=1 February 2022 |title=Exclusive: Drag Race UK star Cherry Valentine talks "overwhelming" response to BBC doc |url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/originals/exclusive-cherry-valentine-talks-overwhelming-response-to-groundbreaking-bbc-documentary/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129145426/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/originals/exclusive-cherry-valentine-talks-overwhelming-response-to-groundbreaking-bbc-documentary/ |archive-date=29 November 2022 |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=[[Gay Times]]}}</ref> followed by "Stay Here Forever" in 2022.<ref name=":2" /> She also appeared in music videos for "My House" by [[Jodie Harsh]] and "[[Good Ones]]" by [[Charli XCX]] in 2021.<ref name=":7">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W64DygsN3NI |title=Jodie Harsh – My House (Official Video) |date=5 March 2021 |type=Videotape |access-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312103332/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W64DygsN3NI |archive-date=12 March 2021 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Fisher |first=Justine |date=26 September 2022 |title=Cherry Valentine Dies at 28 |url=https://www.papermag.com/cherry-valentine-dies-at-28-2658330807.html#rebelltitem11 |journal=[[Paper (magazine)|Paper]] |access-date=4 April 2023 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007211826/https://www.papermag.com/cherry-valentine-dies-at-28-2658330807.html#rebelltitem11 |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2022, she and the rest of the series's contestants embarked on ''RuPaul's Drag Race UK'': The Official Tour.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=''RuPaul's Drag Race UK'' Tour |url=https://vossevents.com/rupauls-drag-race-uk-tour/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501032451/https://vossevents.com/rupauls-drag-race-uk-tour/ |archive-date=1 May 2021 |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=Voss Events}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=''RuPaul's Drag Race UK'': The Official Tour |url=https://www.datathistle.com/event/1638864-rupauls-drag-race-uk-the-official-tour/ |access-date=23 September 2022 |website=Data Thistle |archive-date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923200823/https://www.datathistle.com/event/1638864-rupauls-drag-race-uk-the-official-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
-Cherry Valentine was the subject of the second series premiere of [[God Shave the Queens|''God Shave the Queens'']], a documentary about the tour. In the episode, Ward reflected on his 2022 documentary ''[[Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud]]'' about being raised within the [[Romanichal|English Traveller]] community.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Richardson |first=Hollie |last2= |first2= |last3= |first3= |last4= |first4= |last5= |first5= |last6= |first6= |date=30 November 2022 |title=TV tonight: backstage revelations with RuPaul's UK drag queens on tour |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/nov/30/tv-tonight-backstage-revelations-with-rupauls-uk-drag-queens-on-tour |access-date=4 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=23 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323231917/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/nov/30/tv-tonight-backstage-revelations-with-rupauls-uk-drag-queens-on-tour |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cherry Valentine, Star of ''Drag Race UK'' Season 2, Dies at 28 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/cherry-valentine-star-drag-race-161230165.html |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=[[Yahoo! Entertainment]] |archive-date=8 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008065212/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/cherry-valentine-star-drag-race-161230165.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was "absolutely terrified" to make the film and was "unsure 'which route to go down' due to a significant lack of mainstream attention and education on LGBTQ+ Travellers", according to Damshenas, who also said the documentary "received widespread critical acclaim".<ref name=":5" />
+Cherry Valentine was the subject of the second series premiere of [[God Shave the Queens|''God Shave the Queens'']], a documentary about the tour. In the episode, Ward reflected on his 2022 documentary ''[[Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud]]'' about being raised within the [[Romanichal|English Traveller]] community.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Richardson |first=Hollie |last2= |first2= |last3= |first3= |last4= |first4= |last5= |first5= |last6= |first6= |date=30 November 2022 |title=TV tonight: backstage revelations with RuPaul's UK drag queens on tour |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/nov/30/tv-tonight-backstage-revelations-with-rupauls-uk-drag-queens-on-tour |access-date=4 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=23 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323231917/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/nov/30/tv-tonight-backstage-revelations-with-rupauls-uk-drag-queens-on-tour |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cherry Valentine, Star of ''Drag Race UK'' Season 2, Dies at 28 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/cherry-valentine-star-drag-race-161230165.html |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=[[Yahoo! Entertainment]] |archive-date=8 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008065212/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/cherry-valentine-star-drag-race-161230165.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the first time he had returned to the Traveller community since he left home at 18.<ref name="Ravindran" /> He was "absolutely terrified" to make the film and was "unsure 'which route to go down' due to a significant lack of mainstream attention and education on LGBTQ+ Travellers", according to Damshenas, who also said the documentary "received widespread critical acclaim".<ref name=":5" /> Ward has been credited as the first contestant on the [[Drag Race (franchise)|''Drag Race'' franchise]] to address his [[Romani people|Romani]] heritage ([[RuPaul's Drag Race UK (series 1)|series 1]] winner [[The Vivienne]] has since also acknowledged her Romani background).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hansford |first1=Amelia |date=25 September 2022 |title=Cherry Valentine shut down arguments over child-friendly drag in most perfect way |work=[[PinkNews]] |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2022/09/25/drag-queen-cherry-valentine-anti-drag-arguments/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925160709/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2022/09/25/drag-queen-cherry-valentine-anti-drag-arguments/ |archive-date=25 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Factora |first=James |date=23 September 2022 |title=Cherry Valentine, ''Drag Race UK'' Star, Nurse, and Advocate, Dies at 28 |work=[[Them (website)|Them]] |url=https://www.them.us/story/cherry-valentine-george-ward-drag-race-uk-star-nurse-and-advocate-dies-at-28 |url-status=live |access-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928004601/https://www.them.us/story/cherry-valentine-george-ward-drag-race-uk-star-nurse-and-advocate-dies-at-28 |archive-date=28 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Vivienne On Her Early Days Of Drag: 'They Offered Me A Blue WKD And 30 Quid' |url=https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/tv-and-film/rupaul-drag-race-vivienne/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310085729/https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/tv-and-film/rupaul-drag-race-vivienne/ |archive-date=10 March 2022 |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=Grazia}}</ref>
 == Personal life ==
+Described as [[genderfluid]]<ref name=":8" /> and [[queer]],<ref name=":5" /> Ward used ''he/they'' pronouns when not in drag.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Jason P. |date=23 September 2022 |title=Cherry Valentine, ''RuPaul's Drag Race U.K.'' Season-Two Competitor, Dead at 28 |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/09/cherry-valentine-dead-rupauls-drag-race-uk.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117003745/https://www.vulture.com/2022/09/cherry-valentine-dead-rupauls-drag-race-uk.html |archive-date=17 November 2022 |access-date=15 January 2023 |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]}}</ref> As part of the [[LGBT community]], Ward hid his Traveller heritage because he feared he might receive "hate or backlash".<ref name="Harvey-Day-2021" />
-Ward grew up in an English Traveller community in [[Darlington]], [[County Durham]], in the [[north-east of England]],<ref name="Ravindran">{{cite news |last1=Ravindran |first1=Manori |date=23 September 2022 |title=''RuPaul's Drag Race U.K.'' Contestant George Ward, Known as Cherry Valentine, Dies at 28 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/cherry-valentine-dies-dead-drag-race-uk-1235381429/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926065753/https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/cherry-valentine-dies-dead-drag-race-uk-1235381429/ |archive-date=26 September 2022}}</ref> and has been credited as the first contestant on the [[Drag Race (franchise)|''Drag Race'' franchise]] to address his [[Romani people|Romani]] heritage ([[RuPaul's Drag Race UK (series 1)|series 1]] winner [[The Vivienne]] has since also acknowledged her Romani background).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hansford |first1=Amelia |date=25 September 2022 |title=Cherry Valentine shut down arguments over child-friendly drag in most perfect way |work=[[PinkNews]] |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2022/09/25/drag-queen-cherry-valentine-anti-drag-arguments/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925160709/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2022/09/25/drag-queen-cherry-valentine-anti-drag-arguments/ |archive-date=25 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Factora |first=James |date=23 September 2022 |title=Cherry Valentine, ''Drag Race UK'' Star, Nurse, and Advocate, Dies at 28 |work=[[Them (website)|Them]] |url=https://www.them.us/story/cherry-valentine-george-ward-drag-race-uk-star-nurse-and-advocate-dies-at-28 |url-status=live |access-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928004601/https://www.them.us/story/cherry-valentine-george-ward-drag-race-uk-star-nurse-and-advocate-dies-at-28 |archive-date=28 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Vivienne On Her Early Days Of Drag: 'They Offered Me A Blue WKD And 30 Quid' |url=https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/tv-and-film/rupaul-drag-race-vivienne/ |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=Grazia |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310085729/https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/tv-and-film/rupaul-drag-race-vivienne/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Discussing his background on ''Drag Race UK'', Ward said he grew up in a strict environment in which drag was not accepted; and as part of the [[LGBT community]], he hid his Traveller heritage because he feared he might receive "hate or backlash".<ref name="Harvey-Day-2021" /> Speaking to fellow contestant [[Sister Sister (drag queen)|Sister Sister]], he said: "Growing up [being gay] did affect me. I don't think I was completely sane at all."<ref name="Harvey-Day-2021">{{Cite web|last=Day|first=Harvey|date=22 January 2021|title=''Drag Race UK''{{'}}s Cherry Valentine on the 'fabulous' Traveller women in their family who inspire their drag|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/d631f4cb-8f13-472e-a94a-5a0f873187e2|url-status=live|access-date=7 May 2021|website=[[BBC Three]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122125814/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/d631f4cb-8f13-472e-a94a-5a0f873187e2 |archive-date=22 January 2021 }}</ref>
-Ward [[Coming out|came out]] to his parents by writing a letter before leaving home for a week, after which his parents individually took him for a drive and talked but did not discuss his sexual orientation after that incident.<ref name="tele-obit" /> Ward left home when he was 18, and he returned to the Traveller community for ''Gypsy Queen and Proud''.<ref name="Ravindran" /> Described as [[genderfluid]]<ref name=":8" /> and [[queer]],<ref name=":5" /> Ward used ''he/they'' pronouns when not in drag.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Jason P. |date=23 September 2022 |title=Cherry Valentine, ''RuPaul's Drag Race U.K.'' Season-Two Competitor, Dead at 28 |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/09/cherry-valentine-dead-rupauls-drag-race-uk.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117003745/https://www.vulture.com/2022/09/cherry-valentine-dead-rupauls-drag-race-uk.html |archive-date=17 November 2022 |access-date=15 January 2023 |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]}}</ref>
 === Death ===