Tayce performing “Memory” in honour of Cherry Valentine. (@dollastore/Twitter)
Drag Race UK alumna Tayce has performed “Memory” from the musical Cats in honour of drag queen Cherry Valentine who has died, aged 28.
The two queens lip-synced against each other to the Elaine Paige classic on season two’s second episode, leaving Valentine to sashay away.
Tayce, who placed as a runner-up in the series, chose to end the final show of her Assassination Tour with a fitting tribute to the late Valentine, whose death was announced on Friday (23 September).
such a beautiful tribute, cherry would love it <3 pic.twitter.com/kgM2OAdPhT
— molls ☂︎ (@doIIastore) September 26, 2022
A clip of Tayce’s tribute, filmed in Cardiff and posted to Twitter, has understandably left fans feeling incredibly emotional.
“I am trying so hard not to cry… I miss Cherry so much,” wrote one fan.
Another said: “This lip-sync hits different now.” And a third commented: “Cherry’s memory will live with us all forever.”
tayce performing memories in memory of cherry i am an emotional wreck
— 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐚/am⚡️ (@vidiadq) September 25, 2022
The performance was also uploaded from a different angle alongside the caption: “Cherry Valentine you will always be loved.”
cherry valentine you will always be loved ❤️🩹🍒 https://t.co/yfqy74DVwb pic.twitter.com/d52xZH0Wpc
— 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐚/am⚡️ (@vidiadq) September 26, 2022
A fan pointed out Tayce was wearing the same colours Valentine wore during their original lip-sync, as if we all needed an excuse to cry even harder.
Tributes and condolences for Valentine, who was a member of the Traveller community and a mental health nurse, have continued to roll in since her passing.
Episode one of Drag Race UK season four now has an in memoriam slide for Cherry Valentine after the credits.
Others have been appreciating Valentine’s distinctive laugh and her overall work, including her BBC documentary Gypsy Queen and Proud, where they discussed their roots in the traveller community as both Cherry and George Ward.
Cherry Valentine’s laugh appreciation post. She was great. pic.twitter.com/eySdMipxMa
— Lee (@JustifyMyLee) September 23, 2022
Remembering Cherry Valentine ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dqYE8HmS90
— Lee Dawson (@LeeDawsonPT) September 24, 2022
RuPaul, Michelle Visage and many other Drag Race stars are among those sending their love to Cherry Valentine’s family, and honouring her memory online.
No cause of death has yet been revealed.