The Vivienne's funeral gives touching nod to Drag Race with heartbreaking tribute
The Vivienne's funeral gives touching nod to Drag Race with heartbreaking tribute
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The funeral of The Vivienne is taking place today, after the star tragically died at the age of just 32 on January 5. Mourners gathered at a church in Denbighshire, North Wales, close to Viv’s home town of Colwyn Bay. Vivienne - real name James Lee Williams - rose to fame on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, after she won the first series with hilarious and talented performances, such as her impression of Donald Trump.
In a touching nod to Viv’s success on the show, Drag Race was incorporated into her service. The crown and sceptre won by Viv in the BBC competition were displayed and carried into the church, just ahead of the coffin itself. 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.
Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall and X Factor star Marcus Collins were also seen walking towards the church to say their final goodbyes to Viv, alongside celebrity chef Jameson Stocks. 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. Alongside the more intimate, private funeral of today, fans from across the country gathered at a vigil the week after Viv’s death to honour the late star. 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.
