The Vivienne’s friends remember ‘world class’ drag star at Liverpool vigil

The Vivienne’s friends have paid tribute to the drag pro at an emotional vigil in Liverpool.

The TV star, 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, friends and fans gathered to pay their respects at St George’s Hall which 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.

Drag queen 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.”

Videos from the gathering show people letting off dozens of balloons as the song For Good from the musical Wicked plays.

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.”