Mourners including Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins and TV personality Kim Woodburn have begun to arrive for the funeral of Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne.
The service for the TV star, real name James Lee Williams, who died earlier this month, is being held at a church in Denbighshire, North Wales. The drag icon who shot to fame after winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, tragically passed away earlier this month at just 32 years old.
A spokesperson for the star took to social media on January 5, to confirm the shattering news. In a statement, they said: "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
"James was an incredibly loved, warm- hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James's family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve."
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PA)Today, the much-loved drag star will be laid to rest with several famous faces attending to say their final goodbyes. Steps singer Watkins, wearing a red tartan suit, walked towards the church with comedian Jayde Adams, who wore a bright green coat and trilby hat. Also in attendance was Celebrity Big Brother star, Kim Woodburn.
It appears that mourners decided to shun the usual black ensembles which are the go-to at funerals, and instead opted for their most colourful attires in memory of the vibrant person that The Vivienne was.
Williams shot to wider fame after winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. They competed in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and finished third on Dancing On Ice in 2023.
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PA)Earlier this month, friends of The Vivienne paid tribute during an emotional vigil in Liverpool. St George’s Hall was bathed in green light as friends and fans gathered to remember the star, a nod to her role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard Of Oz musical.
Fellow drag queen Danny Beard spoke of the overwhelming love for The Vivienne at RuPaul’s Drag Con, saying" "I think this is what tonight should be about... A celebration of someone who touched the lives of so many,"
They described The Vivienne as one of the world's most recognisable drag queens and a "The Vivienne was one of the world's most recognisable drag queens, proper world class entertainer." They added: "And above all a shining beacon in all of our lives and especially for the LGBT (community)." They praised her for using her platform to spread joy, advocate for acceptance, challenge stereotypes and to be a voice for those who need it.
Another friend remembered The Vivienne as a "legend" who was "always willing to experiment and push the boundaries of fashion, make-up and, of course, drag". Videos from the gathering show people releasing dozens of balloons as the song For Good from the musical Wicked plays.
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PA)The Vivienne, who finished third on Dancing On Ice in 2023, was honoured on the skating show as the latest series started earlier this month. TV host Holly Willoughby paid tribute, saying: "Many of you will have been saddened by the tragic news of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend. Now, they were a huge part of our show, making it all the way to the final in 2023. They’ll be very sorely missed, and our thoughts are with The Vivienne’s loved ones at this time. So sad."
The Vivienne previously revealed in 2019 that their name was inspired by the iconic fashion designer, explaining: "I love Vivienne Westwood and when I moved to Liverpool everyone used to call me Vivienne as I was head to toe in Westwood."
A friend of the drag star shared they were found dead by their distraught dad and step-mum. Police have previously confirmed they were called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.
The spokesman said: "Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner." The Vivienne's death was confirmed on Sunday and shared by publicist and pal Simon Jones.
"Their devastated dad raised the alarm and believed they had passed away a day or two before being found," a source told the Sun. "James was due to move to a £400,000 house next week, and had a holiday lined up. They were planning a tour and really had everything to live for.”
The Drag Race UK star's representative revealed how "proud" he was of The Vivienne and gave an insight into their close bond in a heartbreaking post after their death.
"These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.
"I'm so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It's tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon," their agent wrote.
The Vivienne's last public appearance came just a week before their death. They appeared in Blackpool while starring in the West End musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as The Childcatcher. The star also shared a post just days before passing, urging followers to donate to charity.
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