Life

Natasha Reddington-Romanov: Tributes paid to trans “icon of Soho”

By Sam Damshenas

1st October 2024

Tributes have poured in following the tragic death of ‘Soho icon’ Natasha Reddington-Romanov.

Natasha, 55, was last seen in Central London around 2am on 20 September.

Her subsequent disappearance was described as “very out of character”, with her close friend Tracy Kawalik telling The Standard that “the first thing that came to mind was that it could have been a hate crime” due to her trans identity.

“She’s incredibly vivacious. She’s a tough cookie. Did someone go to rob her? Did she say the wrong thing to the wrong person?” said Kawalik.

“She often falls asleep on the bus. Did she get on the wrong bus and fall asleep and end up somewhere? Is she in a hospital? Does she have no ID, because her phone was stolen or something?

“Did someone harm her? Did she fall? She would never, ever just go away for seven days. It would be so out of character. I just have no idea. We’re all sort of preparing for the worst now. The police have done really nothing.”

On Saturday (28 September), the Met Police revealed that a body was found in the Thames near Vauxhall Bridge and that “work was undertaken to confirm the identity of this person”.

Police added that Natasha’s death is being treated as “unexpected, but not suspicious”.

Natasha was a legendary figure in London’s LGBTQIA+ scene, having worked at Madame Jojo’s and Trisha’s for over a decade.

Following the tragic news, Natasha’s loved ones and various members of the LGBTQIA+ community paid tribute on social media.

The Instagram page for Trisha’s described Natasha as a “Soho icon” and “showgirl”, and said the streets of Soho will be “less glamorous” without her: “There will never be another one like you. […] We love you so very, very much.”

Guinness Partnership, where Natasha worked, said she was “a wonderful woman whose kindness and warmth lit up every room and she was much loved by everyone who knew her.”

Tracy also wrote on Twitter: “Natasha Romanov. Always and forever. I loved you so very, very much. I hope you knew.”

Our thoughts are with Natasha’s friends and family.

See more tributes below.

 

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A post shared by Tracy Kawalik (@tracykawalik)