MUCH-LOVED RuPaul’s Drag Race star Maxi Shield has died at the age of 51.

The terrible news comes just five months after Shield publicly announced being diagnosed with cancer.

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Maxi Shield died at the age of 51 – five months after being diagnosed with cancerCredit: Getty
 

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Maxi was diagnosed after falling ill at the Edinburgh Fringe FestivalCredit: Getty
Fellow drag star Wigs by Vanity confirmed the tragic news on Instagram, writing: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our dearest sister, Maxine has passed away.

“We are all mourning the loss of an incredible icon, friend, and our beloved sister.

“Thank you for the laughs, the cackles, and the magic you brought into our lives.

“I will cherish every second of our 30-year friendship, and I’m so grateful that I was a part of your chosen family.

“You will be forever loved and deeply missed. I love you old girl.”

Drag star Universal Sydney also posted a statement, saying: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of our beloved Maxi Shield’s passing.

“In all my years in this community, there has never been a time I can remember when Maxi wasn’t an iconic presence.

“Maxi worked across every queer venue in Sydney, touching hearts not only across the country but around the world through her appearance on Drag Race Down Under.”

Only five months ago during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Shield fell ill with a “very scary” health issue.

The star was quickly rushed to hospital after an “issue with a swollen gland” was pushing on blood vessels in the throat.

Unfortunately, tests revealed the swelling on the side of the throat was cancer.

The iconic drag superstar told fans this specific cancer had a “70-80 per cent treatment rate”.

Shield had been undergoing chemotherapy in the meantime, with the latest round starting in January.

On January 30, Shield posted: “We are stronger than we think! This is my 29th since my last treatment.

“This is my 29th day since my last treatment. As you know, the first weeks were tough. It’s probably the worst I’ve felt over this whole treatment. But each day I’m feeling a little better.

“Still coughing like a lunatic and predominantly relying on the ‘rig / tube’ for food / supplements.

“Hopefully in 4ish weeks that will change, but like everything, it’s baby steps and listen to your body.”

Maxi was the drag alter ego of Kristopher Elliot best known for competing in season one of RuPaul‘s Drag Race Down Under, finishing sixth.

Season one winner Kita Mean paid tribute, calling Maxi “the kindest queen that has ever been”.

Prior to the sad news, Maxi had been due to perform at Mardi Gras in Sydney later this week.

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The star had been undergoing chemotherapy since JanuaryCredit: Getty
 

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Shield was due to perform at Mardi Gras in Sydney later this weekCredit: Getty