The Vivienne vigil sees iconic Liverpool building turn green for poignant reason

The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, died at the age of 32 earlier this month. They shot to fame after winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK

Friends of the late The Vivienne paid tribute during an emotional vigil over the weekend.

The drag icon who shot to fame after winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, have paid tribute at an emotional vigil in Liverpool. The TV star, whose real name was James Lee Williams, tragically passed away earlier this month at just 32 years old.

On Sunday, 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.

The Vivienne, who finished third on Dancing On Ice in 2023, was honoured on the skating show as the latest series started on Sunday evening. 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 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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