The Vivienne funeral: Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall leads mourners as Drag Race star is laid to rest
The funeral of Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne is taking place in North Wales, with a number of famous faces in attendance to pay their respects to the TV star
Famous faces, including Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall and various stars have gathered for the funeral of Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne. The service for the television star, whose real name was James Lee Williams, is taking place at a church in Denbighshire, North Wales.
The drag icon, who rose to fame after winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, tragically died earlier this month at the young age of 32. On January 5, a spokesperson for the star confirmed the devastating news on social media.
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."
Today, the much-adored drag star will be laid to rest, with several celebrities attending to bid their final farewells. Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall and UK X Factor's Marcus Collins were among those seen heading towards the church to bid their final farewells to the Drag Race icon. Michelin-starred chef Jameson Stocks also made an appearance, donning a green and navy tartan coat.
It seems that mourners chose to forgo the traditional black attire typically worn at funerals, instead opting for vibrant outfits in tribute to the colorful personality that was The Vivienne. Williams gained broader recognition after winning the inaugural series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.
They later competed in the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and secured third place on UK ice skating competition, Dancing On Ice in 2023. Earlier this month, friends of The Vivienne held a touching vigil in Liverpool, England.
St George's Hall was illuminated in green as friends and fans gathered to honor the star, a reference to her role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard Of Oz musical. Fellow drag queen Danny Beard expressed the immense love for The Vivienne at RuPaul's Drag Con, stating: "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 recognizable drag queens, proper world class entertainer."
They further described her as "And above all a shining beacon in all of our lives and especially for the LGBT (community)."
They lauded her for leveraging her platform to spread happiness, advocate acceptance, challenge stereotypes, and lend a voice to those who needed it. Another friend fondly remembered The Vivienne as a "legend" always ready to experiment and push the boundaries of fashion, makeup, and drag.
Footage from the gathering shows attendees releasing dozens of balloons while the song 'For Good' from the musical Wicked plays in the background. The Vivienne, who secured third place on Dancing On Ice in 2023, was commemorated on the skating show as the latest series kicked off earlier this month.
Dancing on Ice 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."
In 2019, The Vivienne disclosed 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 revealed they were found dead by their heartbroken father and stepmother. Police have 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 spokesperson stated: "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 passing was confirmed on Sunday by publicist and friend Simon Jones. "Their devastated dad raised the alarm and believed they had passed away a day or two before being found," an insider told the Sun.
"James was due to move to a £400,000 ($500,000) house next week, and had a holiday lined up. They were planning a tour and really had everything to live for."
The representative of the Drag Race UK star shared a touching tribute, expressing how "proud" he was of The Vivienne and shedding light on their close relationship. "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 penned.
The Vivienne made their final public appearance just a week prior to their passing. They were seen in Blackpool, performing as The Childcatcher in the West End musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Just days before their untimely death, the star took to social media to encourage followers to make charitable donations.