Drag

Drag Race UK queens pay heartfelt tribute to ‘friend, artist and dear sister’ Cherry Valentine

Cherry Valentine in the Werk Room in a black bodysuit with flared sleeves trimmed in red and a headpiece made up of red hears / Cherry in a red latex dress with devilish horns

Cherry Valentine is one of the 12 queens of Drag Race UK season two. (BBC)

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK stars, including Bimini, The Vivienne, Tia Kofi and many more, have paid tribute to season two contestant Cherry Valentine, who has tragically passed away.

Their family announced their death in a statement, saying: “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.”
Cherry also appeared in the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen and Proud, discussing their roots in the traveller community.

After news of Cherry’s death was made public on Friday (23 September), former contestants on the British spin-off of the franchise have shared their memories and condolences online.

Season two runner up Bimini described Cherry as “so pure, so raw, so real”.

More queens from Cherry Valentine’s season have shared their gorgeous memories of Cherry, including Tia Kofi, Ellie Diamond, Joe Black, Ginny Lemon and A’Whora.

Ginny Lemon wrote that she was “devastated” and couldn’t “stop crying”, before posting an iconic photo of herself next to Cherry during season two’s final episode.

https://twitter.com/GinnyLemon69/status/1573242875831324673

A’Whora posted on her Instagram story: “I cannot even begin to process todays news, I honestly have never been so heartbroken and In a state of shock so much!

“I’ve lost not only a sister but someone who for the last seven months had become my best friend, who I would call and text about everything and anything! We had so much planned and you had so much greatness ahead, and I know your legacy and talent will forever live on.

“I love you beyond words will ever understand! I will never stop being inspired by you and will continue to fight for your voice to be heard!

“I love you. RIP.”

Other tributes have been paid by more contemporaries and fans of Cherry Valentine, including The Vivienne and various other Drag Race alumni.

https://twitter.com/ItsVanityMilan/status/1573259237840789506

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