Mourners including Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins and former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall have arrived for the funeral of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne.
Watkins, wearing a red tartan suit, walked towards the church with comedian Jayde Adams, who wore a bright green coat and trilby hat.
TV personality Kim Woodburn and X Factor singer Marcus Collins were also among the mourners walking into the church.
Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney also attended, along with radio presenter Pete Price, celebrity chef Jameson Stocks, actress Jennifer Ellison and JLS star Aston Merrygold.
The service for the TV star, real name James Lee Williams, who died earlier this month aged 32, is being held at a church in Denbighshire, North Wales.
A horse-drawn carriage arrived outside the church for The Vivienne’s funeral.
The coffin inside was topped with a white floral arrangement.
Floral tributes in a hearse read ‘Vivienne’ and ‘Son’. A third arrangement was made up of purple flowers in the shape of a witch’s hat in honour of star’s role in the theatre musical Wicked.
Many wore green for the service, also as a nod to the starring role as Elphaba, and some guests wore Vivienne Westwood badges on the lapels of their suits. Vivienne adopted their drag name as they were known for wearing the designer’s clothing.
Family members of the star followed the coffin into the church, while their loved ones carried the crown and scepter Viv won on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
The order of service was carried by some guests as they left the venue which included a picture of them at the beach. It read ‘A service of celebration for the life of James Lee Williams 12th April 1992 – 5th January 2025.’
Williams shot to wider fame after winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. They competed in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and finished third on Dancing On Ice in 2023.
Fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi, Baga Chipz and Cheryl arrived for The Vivienne’s funeral together.
Winner of the show’s fourth series Danny Beard wore a jacket and trousers covered with Vivienne Westwood logos and walked to the church with actress Hayley Tamaddon.
Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12:22pm on Sunday, January 5.
A spokesman told Metro: ‘Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner.’
The Vivienne’s death was announced by their publicist Simon Jones.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘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, warm-hearted, 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.
More Trending
‘We will not be releasing any further details.’
The message concluded: ‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’
As well as the RuPaul franchise, The Vivienne also starred in BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020, and appeared on Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted For Stand Up To Cancer in 2022.
Deals of the Day
Save £300 on the 'Ferrari of lawn mowers' that gardeners are calling 'unbelievable'
Mango’s tote bag looks far more premium than it’s £22 price tag
'Extremely good' Morrisons wines under £13 you need to try this summer
‘Like sleeping on a cloud’ hail shoppers as £12 mattress protector scores glowing reviews
Our Place launches unmissable Spring sale and it’s prime time to upgrade your kitchenware
Williams, who was born in Wales before moving to Liverpool. Earlier this month, hundreds gathered in the city for an emotional vigil that celebrated their life.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Linda Nolan’s funeral confirmed to take place at church where she got married
MORE: Paul Danan was approached by major TV show before his death
MORE: Barry Goldberg, Bob Dylan’s iconic keyboardist, dies at 83
