The sad news was confirmed by Georges family in a statement online who said the passing was a profound shock.

The statement reads 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 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. All we ask is for your patience and your prayers in this time. We love you Georgie.

George appeared as Cherry Valentine on the second UK series of RuPauls Drag Race back in January 2021 alongside Queens such as Lawrence Chaney Bimini Bon-Boulash Tayce and Tia Kofi.

Following the sad news RuPauls Drag Race UK shared a touching tribute online writing We are heartbroken that Cherry has passed away. She was a kind soul who brought joy and a distinctive laugh to everyone she met.

She brought flair verve and charm to #DragRaceUK we will miss her so deeply.

Originally from Darlington in County Durham and part of the Traveller community George worked with the BBC following his stint on Drag Race UK to take part in special show Gypsy Queen And Proud where he went back to the community he left when he was 18.

Before starting his Drag career George also qualified as a Mental Heath nurse back in 2015.

At the time of writing no cause of death has been revealed.

South Korean actress Kim Mi-soo who starred in Disney+ show Snowdrop died suddenly at the age of 29 in January. Her agency Landscape Entertainment said Kim suddenly left us on Jan. 5. The bereaved are deep in their sorrow at the sudden sadness. Please refrain from reporting false rumors or speculation so that the family can mourn in peace.

Actor George Rossi best known for playing the role of DC Duncan Lennox in ITV series The Bill sadly passed away on 5th January. His niece confirmed the sad news on social media.

Oscar-nominated director and actor Peter Bogdanovich sadly died of natural causes at the age of 82 in January with his daughter confirming the news to The Hollywood Reporter.

Sir Sidney Poitier who was the first black man to receive an Oscar for best actor sadly passed away at the age of 94 in January. The news was confirmed by Bahamaian Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell.

Labour MP Jack Dromey died suddenly in his home in Birmingham on Friday 7th January at the age of 73. A statement from his family said He had been a dedicated member of parliament for Birmingham Erdington since 2010. He was a much loved husband father and grandfather and he will be greatly missed.

Full House star Bob Saget was found dead in a hotel room at the age of 65 in January whilst on his latest comedy tour across America. His family said in a statement We are devastated to confirm that our beloved Bob passed away today.He was everything to us and we want you to know how much he loved his fans performing live and bringing people from all walks of life together with laughter.

Grange Hill actor Nicholas Donnelly sadly died in his sleep aged 84 in January.A statement from his family said He was a gracious kind and lovely man a wonderful father and grandfather.He was also very funny and brilliant at telling stories acting out all the characters marvellous company and a privilege to know.He loved nothing more than offering hospitality and making people feel welcome.

Oscar-winning lyricist Marilyn Bergman died at the age of 93 in January. Throughout her career she worked with her husband Alan to write songs for stage shows and films. They worked with big names in showbiz including Barbra Streisand Fred Astaire and Frank Sinatra and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980.

Vicar of Dibley actor Gary Waldhorn sadly passed away at the age of 78 in January. The actor played the role of Councillor David Horton in the hit series between 1994-2015.

The Ronettes singer Ronnie Spector sadly passed away at the age of 78 in January following a brief battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family when she died.

Professional skater Sean Rice sadly died at the age of 49 in January with his former Dancing On Ice colleagues paying tribute online. Sean appeared on the 2011 and 2012 series of the ITV show.

Fashion icon and former Vogue creative director André Leon Talley passed away at the age of 73 in January. His death was confirmed by a statement posted to his Instagram account.

Actor and model Gaspard Ulliel died following a ski accident in the Alps. He was hospitalised on Tuesday following the accident and was flown to a hospital in Grenoble where he sadly died as a result of his injuries.Gaspard portrayed the young Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal Rising played Yves Saint Laurent in the biopic Saint Laurent and had been the face of the Chanel fragrance Bleu de Chanel.He will now appear posthumously as Midnight Man in Moon Knight an upcoming Marvel miniseries on Disney+.

Actor and author Hardy Krüger passed away at the age of 93 in January with his agency saying His warmth of heart joie de vivre and his unshakable sense of justice will make him unforgettable.

Singer and actor Meat Loaf real name Michael Lee Aday died aged 74 on Thursday 20th January 2022. His family confirmed the news in a statement that said  Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side. Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.

French fashion designer Thierry Mugler sadly died at the age of 73 in January. A post on his Facebook page confirmed the news with a statement reading We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022.

Comedian and writer Barry Cryer sadly passed away at the age of 86 in January. Tributes immediately poured in from across the world with the likes of Piers Morgan Stephen Fry and Gyles Brandreth paying their respects.

EastEnders legend Leonard Fenton who played the iconic role of Dr Harold Legg sadly died at the age of 95 in January. Leonard appeared in the first ever episode of EastEnders going on to appear in 267 episodes before his final in 2019.

70s funk icon Betty Davis who was married to jazz musician Miles Davis died of natural causes in February at the age of 77.

Americas Got Talent star Nightbirde (real name Jane Marczewski) sadly lost her four-year battle with cancer on Saturday 19th February her family confirmed in a statement.Simon Cowell who gave the singer his Golden Buzzer on the show in 2021 paid a moving tribute to her online.

The entrepreneur gained fame from setting up the new music platform SBTV which helped to launch a string of UK music careers including Ed Sheeran Dave and Jessie J. Jamal was an ambassador for the Princes Trust a charity headed by the Prince of Wales and in 2014 he was awarded an MBE for his services to music.His manager told the PA news agency that Edwards died on Sunday 20th February with his mum Loose Women star Brenda Edwards later revealing hed died from a sudden illness.

Pianist and singer best known for his time in Procol Harum Gary Brooker sadly passed away on 19th February at the age of 76. The news that he had died following a battle with cancer was confirmed in a statement which referred to Gary as a brightly-shining irreplaceable light in the music industry.

Actress Anna Karen best known for her roles as Olive in On The Buses and Aunt Sal in EastEnders tragically died in a house fire in February.

M_A_SH actress Sally Kellerman sadly passed away at an assisted care facility in California in February following a long battle with dementia.

Mare Of Easttown and Law & Order star Ned Eisenberg sadly died at the age of 65 after a two-year battle with cancer his wife confirmed.

Childrens author Shirley Hughes best known for her loved books in the Alfie series sadly passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 94 in February.

Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne sadly died aged just 52 after a suspected heart attack in March.

Actress Lynda Baron best known for her roles in shows like Open All Hours Come Outside EastEnders and Fat Friends sadly died at the age of 82 in March with her long-time agent confirming the news.

Only Fools and Horses actor Ron Pember sadly died at the age of 87 in March with his grandson Paul confirming the news. He said The sadness now is the happiness then. Thats the deal. 11.04.1934 - 08.03.2022 #ronpember #grandad.

Sesame Street star Emilio Delgado best know for his role as Fix-it Shop owner Luis Rodriguez in the show sadly passed away in March at the age of 81.

Marvel star William Hurt sadly died at the age of 71 in March. The news was confirmed by his friend Gerry Byrne who said He died peacefully among family of natural causes. The family requests privacy at this time.

Actor Peter Bowles best known for his role of Richard DeVere on To The Manor Born sadly died of cancer at the age of 85 in March.

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins sadly died at the age of 50 in March with the band confirming the heartbreaking news via a statement. The band said The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins. His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever.Our hearts go out to his wife children and family and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time.

The Wanteds Tom Parker sadly died at the age of 33 in March after suffering from an inoperable brain tumour. His wife Kelsey confirmed the hearbreaking news in a statement. It read It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side. Our hearts are broken Tom was the centre of our world and we cant imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence. We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Toms light continues to shine for his beautiful children. Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout he fought until the very end. Im forever proud of you ❤️💫✨❤️. (sic)

June Brown was best known for playing Dot Cotton in EastEnders since the show started in 1985 until 1997 before reprising her role in 1997 until 2020. The actress death at the age of 95 was announced by EastEnders and her family in April saying We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved mother June passed away very peacefully at her home in Surrey on Sunday evening with her family by her side.We would kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.

Autor David McKee famous for childrens novels Elmer and Mr Benn sadly passed away at the age of 87 in April following a short illness.His publisher Anderson Press wrote It is with great sadness that we announce the death of David McKee beloved author and illustrator for children and creator of iconic childrens books Elmer Not Now Bernard and Mr Benn. David died surrounded by his family following a short illness in the South of France where he has spent a lot of time in recent years he was 87.

Actress Rae Allen (left) sadly passed away on 6th April. She died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 95. The Tony-Award winning actress was known best for her roles in A League Of Their Own Seinfield and The Sopranos. She also appeared in a number of theatre shows including Damn Yankees and Traveller Without Luggage.

Comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried sadly passed away following a long illness at the age of 67 in April. Best known for voicing Iago in Disneys animated Aladdin Gilberts sad passing was confirmed by his family on Twitter.

Former EastEnders actress Melanie Clark Pullen sadly passed away in April at the young age of 46 following a battle with breast cancer.

Mad Men actor Robert Morse sadly died at the age of 90 in April his son revealed in a statement.

Saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk sadly passed away at the age of 71 following a six-year battle with an illness. He was best known for his time in genre-spanning 70s group Earth Wind & Fire. Bandmate Philip Bailey said in a tribute to Andrew I met him in High School and we quickly became friends and band mates. Andrew Paul Woolfolk was his name. We lost him today.Funny. Competitive. Quick witted. And always styling. Booski… Ill see you on the other side my friend.

Toddlers and Tiaras star Kailia Posey heartbreakingly died at the age of just 16 just days after her prom in May. Her sad passing was confirmed by her mum but her cause of death has not yet been confirmed.As well as appearing on the show Kailia was turned into a popular GIF (as pictured) due to her cheeky smile.

Actor Mike Hagerty died a few days shy of his 68th birthday. Hed been starring in the TV show Somebody Somewhere as Ed Miller and his co-star shared the sad news. Bridget Everett wrote A beloved character actor his love of his hometown of Chicago and his family were the cornerstones of his life. Mike a devoted husband is survived by his wife Mary Kathryn his sister Mary Ann Hagerty and her wife Kathleen ORourke and their daughter Meg. He will be sorely missed.

Actor Dennis Waterman best known for his roles in Minder New Tricks and The Sweeney sadly died at the age of 74 in May. In a statement his family said We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully in hospital in Spain.

Actor Bruce MacVittie sadly passed away at the age of 65 on 7th May. As well as acting on Broadway Bruce had starring roles on The Sopranos Law & Order and As The World Turns and also appeared on Sex And The City. Law & Order producer Warren Leight paid tribute to the late actor saying Weve worked together often. He was a beautiful honest actor and man. The real deal.

TV writer Kay Mellor best known for writing shows such as Fat Friends and The Syndicate sadly passed away at the age of 71 in May.

Depeche Mode keyboardist and founding member Andy Fletch Fletcher sadly died at the age of 60 in May. His bandmates Dave Gahan and Martin Gore released a statement which read We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend family member and bandmate Andy Fletch Fletcher.Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support a lively conversation a good laugh or a cold pint.Our hearts are with his family and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.

Hollywood actor Ray Liotta sadly died in his sleep at the age of 67 in May. He was in the Dominican Republic at the time filming for upcoming movie Dangerous Waters. Ray was best known for his role as Henry Hill in Goodfellas and among the many tributes paid to the actor his co-star Lorraine Bracco said I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray.I can be anywhere in the world & people will come up & tell me their favorite movie is Goodfellas. Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta.

Depeche Mode keyboardist and founding member Andy Fletch Fletcher sadly died at the age of 60 in May. Dave Gahan and Martin Gore issued a statement which read We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend family member and bandmate Andy Fletch Fletcher.

Alec John Such Bon Jovis original bassist and co-founding member sadly died aged 70 in early June. Bon Jovi issued a statement to their social channels on 5th June to confirm the sad news.

Former Dragons Den star Hilary Devey sadly died at the age of 65 in June following a long illness. Her publicist Benjamin Webb confirmed the news.

Cancer fundraiser Dame Deborah James sadly lost her battle with bowel cancer in June with her family releasing a heartbreaking statement on Tuesday 28th to confirm shed passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.

EastEnders actress Mona Hammond OBE sadly passed away at the age of 91 in July.

Godfather and Elf star James Caan sadly died at the age of 82 in early July. His family released a statement reading It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6.The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Titanic The Omen and Star Trek star David Warner sadly died on 24th July 2022 aged 80 from a cancer-related illness. The Manchester-born actors family revealed the sad news in a statement reading He will be missed hugely by us his family and friends and remembered as a kind-hearted generous and compassionate man partner and father whose legacy of extraordinary work has touched the lives of so many over the years. We are heartbroken.He is survived by his beloved partner Lisa Bowerman his much-loved son Luke and daughter in-law Sarah his good friend Jane Spencer Prior his first wife Harriet Evans and his many gold dust friends.

American actor Paul Sorvino best known for his roles in Law & Order and Goodfellas sadly died at the age of 83 in July. Pauls daughter Mira Sorvino confirmed the news in a statement on Twitter.

Comedy actor and voice actor Pat Carroll sadly passed away on Saturday 30th July at the age of 95 from pneumonia. Among other roles the Emmy Award-winning actress voiced Ursula for The Little Mermaid in 1989.

Actress Nichelle Nichols known best for her role in Star Trek sadly passed away at the age of 89 on 30th July from natural causes. She played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the series from 1966-1969 and was one of the first black actresses to play an authority figure in the US.

Dame Olivia Newton-John peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Monday 8th August. Olivias husband John Easterling confirmed the sad news on social media writing Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the familys privacy during this very difficult time.

Legendary Motown producer singer and songwriter Lamont Dozier sadly died at the age of 81 in August and the sad news was confirmed by his family. He was part of the Holland-Dozier-Holland team and was responsible for numerous big hits throughout the 60s and 70s. Lamont Dozier wrote for groups like The Supremes The Isley Brothers The Four Tops and Martha and the Vandellas.

Author-illustrator Raymond Briggs best-known for his 1978 classic The Snowman sadly died at the age of 88 in August his family confirmed the news.

Darius Campbell Danesh who rose to fame on Pop Idol in 2002 sadly died at the age of 41 in August.Darius family released a statement to confirm the shock news revealing he was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester Minnesota.

Former Hollyoaks actor Bruce Montague who was also known for his role in Doctor Who audio adventures sadly passed away at the age of 83 in August. his talent agency Belfield & Ward announced the news on social media.

Actress Josephine Tewson best known for her roles in Keeping Up Appearances and Last of the Summer Wine sadly died at the age of 91 in August. Her agent confirmed the news in a statement which read It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine Tewson.Josephine passed away peacefully last night at Denville Hall at the Age of 91.

Following a long battle with prostate cancer presenter and journalist Bill Turnbull sadly died at the age of 66 on Wednesday 31t August. His family confirmed the sad news in an online statement.

On the evening of 8th September the Royal Family confirmed the sad news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had died at the aged 96.The statement read The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.

French-Swiss film director Jean-Luc Godard sadly died at the age of 91 in September.

RuPauls Drag Race UK star George Ward known by his stage name Cherry Valentine sadly died at the age of 28 in September. His family released a statement revealing the passing was a profound shock.

Dame Hilary Mantel the British author best known for the Wolf Hall series of novels sadly died at the age of 70 in September her agent revealed.

Our thoughts are with Georges family and friends at this sad time.