The Vivienne’s funeral gives touching nod to Drag Race with heartbreaking tribute

The Vivienne’s funeral is taking place today after the tragic death of the actress on January 5 at the age of 32.

Mourners gathered at a church in Denbighshire, North Wales, close to Viv’s home town of Colwyn Bay. After winning the first series with hilarious and talented performances, such as her portrayal of Donald Trump, Vivienne Williams, who is now known as James Lee Williams, rose to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

In a touching nod to Viv’s success on the show, Drag Race was incorporated into her service. Just before the coffin itself, Viv’s crown and sceptre were displayed and carried into the church.

Many mourners have flocked to Denbighshire to pay their respects, including Steps singer Ian ‘ H ‘ Watkins, Big Brother star Kim Woodburn, and comedian Jayde Adam.

X Factor contestant Marcus Collins and Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall also spotted escorting Viv’s final farewell, along with Jameson Stocks, the chef. JLS star Aston Merrygold was also in attendance, arriving shortly before actress Claire Sweeney.

While many of the guests opted to wear traditional black, several others chose more colourful, bold garments. In a nod to Viv’s own larger-than-life personality, pops of red and green and cheery patterns were seen mixed among the muted tones.

Fans from all over the country gathered at a vigil the week after Viv’s passing to pay tribute to the late star in addition to the more intimate, private funeral of today. The candlelight event was held outside St. George’s Hall in Liverpool, and was organised with the help of Sahir House, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, of which The Vivienne was an ambassador.

The Vivienne’s friends, family, and fellow Drag Race stars attended the gathering, and offered moving speeches in honour of her life. Bobby Musker, a friend of her family, read a statement that read, “From an early age, it was obvious he was destined for the stage… he was determined to pave his own way in this world,” which also reads: “As a family we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne.”

On the day of Viv’s death, police officers were called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12: 22 pm. They checked the house to make sure that her death wasn’t related to any suspicious things.

According to a source, “their devastated dad raised the alarm and believed they had passed away a day or two before being discovered.” “James was due to move to a £400, 000 house next week, and had a holiday lined up. They had everything to live for when they were organizing a tour.

Viv’s close friend Simon Jones, who also worked as her manager, broke the news of their death soon after. Our dear James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, passed away this weekend, our family has been informed with “deep sadness. James was an incredibly loved, warm- hearted and amazing person”, he wrote on Instagram.

Their son, brother, and uncle were all killed, according to their families. They are so proud of what James accomplished throughout their lives and careers. No further information will be made available from us. Please allow James’s family the space and privacy they require to process and grieve right away.

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Source: Mirror