The Vivienne’s friends paid tribute to the Drag Race UK star at an emotional vigil in Liverpool in Sunday.
The drag artist, real name James Lee Williams, who shot to fame after winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, died at the age of 32 earlier this month.
On Sunday, tearful friends and fans gathered to pay their respects to the Dancing On Ice star at St George’s Hall.
The building was lit up in green in a nod to the drag queen’s role playing the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard Of Oz musical.
Green balloons were also released into the sky while the song For Good from Wicked played in the background, with many attendees lighting candles as they remembered the star.
Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity Sahir House, of which The Vivienne was an ambassador, helped organise the vigil.
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The Vivienne’s friends paid tribute to the Drag Race UK star at an emotional vigil in Liverpool in Sunday
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On Sunday, tearful friends and fans gathered to pay their respects to the Dancing On Ice star at St George’s Hall
Fellow Drag Race UK alum Danny Beard said they had just come back from RuPaul’s Drag Con where ‘the love for Viv was really overwhelming’.
‘I think this is what tonight should be about… a celebration of someone who touched the lives of so many,’ they said.
‘The Vivienne was one of the world’s most recognisable drag queens, proper world class entertainer.
‘And above all a shining beacon in all of our lives and especially for the LGBT (community).
‘She also used her platform to spread joy, advocate for acceptance, challenge stereotypes and to be a voice for those who need it.’
Meanwhile Emmerdale actor Liam Fox, who starred alongside The Vivienne in the tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the musical, told Metro: ‘She was so loved by all who knew her which makes it all the more tragic to have lost her so young when there was so much more ahead for her.
‘I loved all the speakers, I loved all the stories from when she was starting out on the drag scene, there was laughter and tears.
‘The balloon release, which happened organically during the song For Good, was particularly beautiful.’
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The drag artist who shot to fame after winning the first series of RuPaul ‘s Drag Race UK, died at the age of 32 earlier this month
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The building was lit up in green in a nod to the drag queen’s role playing the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard Of Oz musical
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The Vivienne is seen in the Wizard Of Oz at the Newcastle Theatre Royal
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Green balloons were also released into the sky while the song For Good from Wicked played in the background
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Fans and friends arrived at the vigil and left flowers, as well as pictures with the star
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Many attendees were seen lighting candles as they remembered The Vivienne
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The Vivienne was among the competitors on the 2023 season of Dancing On Ice – on which they came third
Another friend of the TV star 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 showed people letting off dozens of balloons as the song For Good from the musical Wicked plaeds.
The Vivienne finished third on Dancing On Ice in 2023 and was honoured on the skating show as the latest series started on Sunday evening.
Presenter Holly Willoughby said: ‘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.’
Speaking in 2019 before competing in the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne explained their name saying: ‘I love Vivienne Westwood and when I moved to Liverpool everyone used to call me Vivienne as I was head to toe in Westwood.’
News of the talented drag artist’s d3ath was announced across social media on January 5.
Tributes poured in for the star, who was born in Wales, including from their ex-husband David Lufton, as well as Drag Race judge Michelle Visage and co-star Tia Kofi as they shared their heartbreak at their passing.
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The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, finished third on Dancing On Ice in 2023 and was honoured on the skating show as the latest series started on Sunday evening
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Another friend of the TV star remembered The Vivienne as a ‘legend’ who was ‘always willing to experiment and push the boundaries of fashion, make-up and, of course, drag’
Confirming the news on Instagram, The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones wrote: ‘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, warmhearted 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.’
He continued: ‘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 as much in my life 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 everyday for the last five 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.’
