Tributes have started pouring in for Ru Paul's Drag Race UK star Cherry Valentine after their family revealed that they had died aged 28.
The drag performer, whose real name is George Ward, starred in series two of the UK version of the hit competition. Their family said their 'lives will never be the same' following their death.
In a statement, they 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 & we understand there is no easy way for this to be announced.
READ MORE: RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Cherry Valentine dies aged 28
"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."
Some of Cherry's co-stars have now been paying tribute to them on social media. A'Whora, who competed on the same series as Cherry, said they had 'lost a sister'
On Instagram, A'Whora said: "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 7 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."
Winner of Ru Paul's Drag UK series two Lawrence Chaney also shared a photo of Cherry on Instagram, accompanied by a 'heartbroken' emoji.
Drag Race production company World of Wonder paid tribute in a statement on Instagram. It said: "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of George Ward, AKA Cherry Valentine.
"As an artist and activist, Cherry will always remain a beloved member of our Drag Race family. Cherry's love and irresistibly infection laugh touched the lives of so many.
"Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends."
Fiona Campbell, controller at BBC Three which airs Drag Race UK, said: "We are all shocked and heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of George, known to many as Cherry Valentine. A fan favourite and an inspiration to so many, we were privileged to have worked with him at BBC Three.
"He will be hugely missed by his many fans and friends. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
ITV presenter Charlotte Hawkins shared a photo of herself with Cherry on Twitter and wrote: "Very sad to hear that Cherry Valentine has died, aged just 28. We met back in June at Epsom - so full of life then, it’s hard to believe.
"Sending love to George’s family & friends, just heartbreaking."
Cherry, who uses they/them pronouns, was raised in Darlington in County Durham as part of the Traveller community. They previously told the Manchester Evening News of their struggles growing up gay in their hometown.
They studied at Lancaster University then qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015, before starting a career in drag. In December 2020, Cherry was announced as one of the contestants on Drag Race UK series two.
They performed across the UK, including at Manchester Pride, appeared in music videos by artists such as Charli XCX and fronted their own BBC documentary ‘Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud’.
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