Can you tell us a bit more about where Cherry Valentine is from?
I’m originally from the small town of Darlington – it has a massive clock, and I love clocks! But I left Darlington and moved to Manchester and that’s where Cherry Valentine was born!
Who is Cherry Valentine?
In the world of drag, just like a Cherry, I sit on top!
Cherry Valentine is everything. She is glamour, she is a club kid, she’s dark, she’s gothic, she’s a dancer, she’s flippy. Look at me, I am a queen. I’m a high fashion queen. I look fierce, and my body is hourglass perfect – as there’s nowt worse than a saggy boob.
I like to say my drag is insidious glamour – a beautiful lady possessed by the devil. I’m not always a drag queen, I’m a drag artiste, there’s a subtle difference.
How long have you been doing drag?
Not very long! I had been doing drag for less than a year when I applied to be on the show, but I was like why not? I’ve worked hard at my drag, and I’m really proud of myself for throwing everything into the application process and making it through to this amazing platform.
Why did you decide to start doing drag?
Growing up on a gypsy camp, my view of life was really different to others, and doing drag has really opened my eyes, and given me a new lease of life. I never thought I’d be doing this. I just thought I’d grow up, do my dad’s job, do a few cars up, so to be sat here right now, I feel really proud of myself. The world is now my stage and that’s exciting. It gives me shivers!
Tell us something surprising about you?
I’m not just a drag queen, I’m a fully qualified mental health nurse too. I believe that everyone could do with a bit of therapy (especially now), and I think that being a nurse, has helped create my drag and that drag has helped my nursing. I understand both myself and other people a lot more now. During the pandemic, I put my nursing kit back on and went back to the frontline and did what I could to help.
What are your drag strengths?
I love art, that’s what I did at college. I make 99% of my own outfits. I know my way around a sewing machine, and I challenge anyone to make a better gown than me. I want to get my teeth into an acting challenge because embodying a character and becoming a completely different person is exciting.
What challenges are you most nervous about?
I’m most scared of intimidating all of the other queens, haha! No, on this worldwide platform, you’re working with people at the top of their game, so it will be inspiring and daunting to be around so many talented people.
Do you have a party trick?
I can do the splits. I used to be able to backflip when I was a cheerleader.
Are you competitive?
Everyone’s my sister, BUT at the end of the day, this is a competition and I’m here to win. Do what you gotta do.
Claw your way to the top! Poke someone’s eyes out if you need to! Snatch that crown!
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