Cherry Valentine (November 30, 1993 – September 18, 2022) was a British drag performer and one of the Season 2 contestants of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Cherry passed away on September 18, 2022.
Drag Name Origin
In a Q&A session on Drag Race UK Twitter, Cherry answered a question from a fan who asked her how she came up with her drag name. Cherry replied that she was inspired by a cherry-scented bath wash she used when showering, and because she loves her grandmother who likes drinking sherry (cause it sounds like cherry). As for 'Valentine', it was because she loves Valentines Day and love.
Track Record(s)
Statistics | UK Season 2 |
---|---|
Ranking: | 12th Place |
Maxi Challenges Won: | 0 |
Mini Challenges Won: | 0 |
Times as Team Captain: | 0 |
Times in Bottom: | 1 (Ep. 2) |
Episode Eliminated: | Episode 2 |
Memorable Quotes
RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2
- "Oh my God!" (when her headpiece fell off during her werkroom entrance)
- "Roses are red and violets are blue. Here's your winner of season two." (entrance quote)
- "The one thing I do know about tennis is how much people grunt, and I'm a squealer."
- "It is absolute pandemonium. People are trying to find a workspace, and I want a good workspace. I'll trample a bitch."
- "I feel robbed." (after being eliminated)
- "Oh rats!" (exit quote)
Farewell Message
"Always remember Love yourself first. Can't wait to pop your cherries again! Hate. C♡"
Death
On September 23, 2022, Valentines' family issued a statement, saying "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 & 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. All we ask is for your patience and your prayers in this time. We love you Georgie 30 November 1993-18 September 2022." [5] Hours later, World of Wonder issued a statement through Instagram, saying "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of George Ward, AKA Cherry Valentine. As an artist, nurse and an activist Cherry will always remain a beloved member of our Drag Race family. Cherry’s love and irresistibly infectious laugh touched the lives of so many. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends."[6]
The second episode of Drag Race UK Season 4 was dedicated to Cherry's memory.
Trivia
- Cherry was one of the contestants who were leaked by Michelle Visage before the cast reveal.[7]
- Cherry was a qualified mental health nurse and worked as an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cherry revealed that she would have played Gillian McKeith or Nikki Grahame on Snatch Game.[8]
- Cherry's headpiece fell off when she entered the Werk Room for the first time, causing her to have to redo her entrance.
- Cherry was the second queen of Romani descent to compete on any series of the Drag Race franchise, the first being The Vivienne.
- However, she was the first to mention her heritage on the show.
- Cherry and Patty Pam-Pam from Season 1 of Drag Race Holland both presented a Freddie Mercury inspired look on their first episode, placed safe, and got eliminated on the next episode.
- Cherry was the first queen on RuPaul's Drag Race UK to be eliminated on the Rusical Challenge.
- Cherry got no votes on RuPaul's Drag Race UK (Season 2) to return to competition on episode 5. Joe Black had returned to competition as Asttina Mandella and Cherry Valentine did not return.
- Cherry was the seventh Drag Race contestant to have never competed in a sewing challenge, after Jaymes Mansfield from Season 9, Gothy Kendoll and Scaredy Kat from Season 1 of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Dahlia Sin from Season 12, and Joe Black from Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. She was followed by Kahmora Hall from Season 13.
- Cherry voted for Ginny Lemon to be Series 2's Miss Congeniality.
- Cherry was the fourth Drag Race contestant to place last but not be the first eliminated, after Dax ExclamationPoint and Laila McQueen in Season 8 and Thorgy Thor in All Stars 3. However, she was the first queen from the UK version to place last but not be eliminated first.
- Tia Kofi dedicated her runway on the second episode of RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World Season 2 to Cherry, taking inspiration from her promo look.
Gallery
RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2
RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2 Looks
RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 4
Videos
Filmography
TV
Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | RuPaul's Drag Race UK (Season 2) | Self | Contestant (Placed 12th) |
Discography
Singles and EPs
Year | Title | Notes |
---|---|---|
2021 | "Aesthetic" | |
2021 | "Iconic" |
Appearances/Features
Year | Title | Artwork | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | "Rats: The Rusical" |
by The Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Season 2 |
External Links
References
|
Winner | Lawrence Chaney |
---|---|
Runners-Up | 2nd & 3rd: Bimini Bon-Boulash & Tayce • 4th: Ellie Diamond |
Other Contestants | 5th: A'Whora • 6th: Sister Sister • 7th: Tia Kofi • 8th: Joe Black • 9th: Veronica Green (Departed) • 10th: Ginny Lemon (Quit) • 11th: Asttina Mandella • 12th: Cherry Valentine |
Judges | RuPaul • Michelle Visage • Alan Carr • Graham Norton |
Pit Crew | Ashraf Ejjabair • Bass Eniafe • Tony Fordham |