Tayce performs emotional tribute to Drag Race UK sister Cherry Valentine
"I'll forever be fond of our memories <3" Drag Race UK alum Bimini shared.
Following the announcement of Cherry Valentine’s passing, Tayce performed a rendition of ‘Memory,’ from the music Cats, to honour her Drag Race UK companion.
The Queerpiphany star ended the final night of her Assassination Tour with a tribute to Cherry Valentine, whose death was announced by her family via a statement to the BBC (September 23): “It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George – Cherry Valentine – has tragically passed away.”
Tayce’s closing night honoured Valentine with a moving performance of Elaine Paige’s ‘Memory,’ which moved many fans to tears as the song was the track the two queens lip-synced to, against each other, on the second episode of the second series of Drag Race UK.
“tayce performing memories in memory of cherry i am an emotional wreck,” one fan shared.
Bimini, also a Drag Race UK series 2 alumnus, quote tweeted the video of Tayce’s performance and shared it is “beautiful and so sad.”
“It’s been a strange few days. I’ve cried, laughed and accepted the fact I’ll see them again one day,” they added. “Until then I’ll forever be fond of our memories <3”
Fans also pointed out that Tayce’s performance look matched the colours of Valentine’s outfit in their seasons lip-sync battle.
Drag Race UK season four included an in memoriam dedication to Valentine after the show’s credits.
Speaking to Attitude last year, the qualified mental health nurse said of working during the pandemic: “I’d be lying if I said it was fun. It was madness. Absolute madness. But I feel so privileged to be able to help, however which way I can.”
Valentine grew up in Darlington, County Durham, and fronted the BBC documentary Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud, in which she explored her roots as a queer member of the Roma Traveller community.
The Attitude September/October issue is out now.