Mourners gathered to pay their respects at the funeral of drag queen The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, who passed away at the age of 32. The funeral took place at St Margaret's Church in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, North Wales, on January 27, 2025, drawing friends, family, and numerous celebrities.
Among the attendees were notable names such as Ian 'H' Watkins from the band Steps and singer Jade Thirlwall. TV personality Kim Woodburn was spotted alongside fellow Drag Race alumni, including Danny Beard and Cheryl Hole. Celebrities such as Coronation Street stars Claire Sweeney and Jennifer Ellison also paid their respects, wearing outfits adorned with personal touches reflecting The Vivienne's vibrant personality.
The funeral commenced with considerable warmth and emotion. A horse-drawn carriage transported The Vivienne's coffin, adorned with white floral arrangements and various tributes. Attendees paid homage with tributes such as floral arrangements shaped like The Vivienne's iconic witch's hat from her role as Elphaba in Wicked, demonstrating her impact on stage and screen. Floral tributes bore heartfelt messages, including "Vivienne" and "Son"—touching reminders of the affection shared with her family.
While many mourners chose colorful attire rather than the typical black, they honored The Vivienne's legacy of joy and acceptance. Comedian Jayde Adams stood out with her bright green coat, paralleling the wardrobe choices of others who wore Vivienne Westwood badges. This community spirit reflected The Vivienne's impact on LGBTQ+ representation and celebration.
According to her publicist, Simon Jones, the announcement of her passing was heartbreaking for both friends and fans. He stated, "It is with immense sadness we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend. James was incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing." The police confirmed she was found dead at her home on January 5, 2025, with no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
The Vivienne made her mark on the entertainment world not just by winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK but also through mesmerizing performances on Dancing on Ice. Fellow drag queen Danny Beard recalled, "The Vivienne was one of the world's most recognisable drag queens, proper world-class entertainer," as he and others remembered her talent and humor.
Outside the church, doves were released following the service, symbolizing peace and hope, echoing The Vivienne's warmth and kindness. Friends and fans had gathered earlier for emotional vigils, underscoring the significant hole her departure left within the community and society at large.
Holly Willoughby, the host of Dancing on Ice, expressed condolences on social media, saying, "Many of you will have been saddened by the tragic news of The Vivienne’s passing." This sentiment reverberated throughout the community inspired by her courage, artistry, and authenticity.
The Vivienne’s unique contributions to culture extended beyond just performance; she was celebrated for using her platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. The vivid celebrations surrounding her life and influence at the funeral reflect the shared sentiment among her fans and peers.
Though the loss is monumental, The Vivienne's legacy lives on through the joy she spread, her remarkable achievements, and the lifestyles she inspired. Her friends, family, and admirers left the memorial filled with rich memories, knowing their beloved drag queen was more than just an entertainer; she was a trailblazer for love and individuality.