Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney has publicly expressed her affection for 90s pop icon who has been there for her "through thick and thin".
She reunited with Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins during a challenging time this week. The two stars, who have been friends for decades, came together in a heartfelt gathering to bid a sorrowful farewell to their friend, The Vivienne.
On Instagram, Claire shared snapshots of her and H as they attended the funeral in Denbighshire, North Wales, on Monday, January 27. The service was in honour of James Lee Williams, widely known as The Vivienne, who tragically passed away at the age of 32 last month.
The Vivienne, famous for winning the inaugural series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK and securing third place in ITV's Dancing On Ice in 2023, also represented the UK in an all-winners season of RuPaul's show in the US in 2022, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Claire's post from Friday, January 31, includes a picture where she is seen giving H a peck on the cheek and another where both are captured with broad smiles.
She captioned the post with a reflection on their long-standing friendship, saying: "Friends for 30 years, thick and thin, fat and slim, boyfriends, breakups and babies. I always love you my friend, @ianhwatkins, treasure your friends."
And the response from her followers was immediate and warm. Ex-Corrie colleague Anthony Crank reminisced: "I used to flat share with the Welsh wonder back in the 90s!" While TV star Lizzie Cundy expressively added: "Love this."
The comments continued with @georgemichaeljoseph sharing warmth: "This is so lovely." Enthusiastically, @davecunningham187 penned: "Absolutely bloody wonderful darling." Similarly, @nicolaogdendavies said: "Love this."
Admirer @mossmiah007 penned an ode to the pair: "Love those 2 legends Ian and Claire." Friendship was celebrated by @simonfoxyfowler's message: "Beautiful Folks. Good Friendships are so valuable."
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