The Vivienne, star of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, laid to rest as mourners attend church service in Wales
The Vivienne, star of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, laid to rest as mourners attend church service in Wales
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Six doves were released as funeral-goers left the church in north Wales. Steps singer Ian “H” Watkins, Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, Kim Woodburn and JLS’s Aston Merrygold were all in attendance for the funeral of Drag Race UK star The Vivienne on Monday (27 January).
![[Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins was dressed in red tartan]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/27/15/newFile-2.jpg)
The artist, actor and singer born James Lee Williams died aged 32 earlier this month. Williams rose to national fame after winning the first series of Drag Race UK, and also came third on the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice. Six doves were released as mourners left the church in Denbighshire, north Wales as Williams’ coffin was pulled by horses with green feather plumes.
![[Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall dressed in black for church service]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/27/15/newFile-3.jpg)
Funeral-goers also donned green in honour of the star who played the Wicked Witch of the West in the theatre production of The Wizard of Oz. Others wore Vivienne Westwood badges in honour of Williams, who named themselves after the designer. The crown and sceptre The Vivienne won on Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK were carried into the church ahead of their coffin. Family members walked behind the coffin as it entered the church. Floral tributes read “Vivienne” and “James”. A third was made up of purple flowers in the shape of a witch’s hat.
![[Claire Sweeney attended with radio presenter Peter Price]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/27/15/newFile-4.jpg)
Fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi, Baga Chipz and Cheryl arrived for the funeral together, while the winner of the show’s fourth series Danny Beard wore a jacket and trousers covered with Vivienne Westwood logos. He walked to the church with actor Hayley Tamaddon.
![[Star died aged 32]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/06/10/newFile-1.jpg)
