Stars be a part of household and pals for funeral of drag queen James Lee Williams

Household, pals and celebrities have gathered to say farewell to James Lee Williams, higher know as RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne.

The funeral is happening in north Wales, three weeks after the performer was discovered useless aged 32 at their residence in Cheshire.

Well-known names among the many mourners embrace singers Jade Thirlwall and H from Steps, drag queens Cheryl Gap and Baga Chipz, and actresses Claire Sweeney and Jennifer Ellison.

The coffin arrived in a horse-drawn carriage pulled by black horses with inexperienced plumes. Flowers spelling “Vivienne”, “James” and “Son” had been within the hearse, and the crown and sceptre awarded to Drag Race winners had been carried forward of the coffin.

Others on the service embrace TV personalities Kim Woodburn and Kerry Katona, and former Drag Race contestants Veronica Inexperienced and Tia Kofi.

The Vivienne received the primary collection of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, and starred in musical theatre and TV productions.

The information of their passing sparked an outpouring of grief from the LGBTQ+ neighborhood and past.

Shortly after their demise was introduced, Liverpool-based organisation Sahir Home acquired an inflow of donations in reminiscence of The Vivienne, who was a long-standing supporter of the charity and posted about it shortly earlier than their demise.

Tributes had been paid by high-profile names together with actor and singer Arianna Grande, Drag Race decide Michelle Visage and host and creator of the present RuPaul.

A whole lot additionally attended a public vigil in Liverpool, the place family and friends paid tribute via music and speeches.

Public buildings within the metropolis had been lit up inexperienced in honour of The Vivienne’s function as The Depraved Witch of the West within the UK and Eire tour of Wizard of Oz.

A e book of condolences was opened at The Museum of Liverpool for members of the general public and has since been handed to the household.

The Vivienne turned related to Liverpool because the place the place the character was created and the place James Lee Williams lived throughout their early life.

Monday’s funeral service is happening at St Margaret’s Church, in Bodelwyddan, north Wales, close to the place Williams grew up and went to highschool.

They moved to Liverpool as a teen and commenced performing in native bars and golf equipment as The Vivienne – named after their love of Vivienne Westwood clothes – earlier than transferring to Gran Canaria as a performer at Sparkles Present Bar.

In 2019 they received the primary collection of Drag Race UK and have become recognized for his or her impersonation and character performing, most famously for his or her impersonation of Donald Trump.

The Vivienne later turned the primary competitor from the UK collection to seem within the American model of the present, competing in collection 7 of Drag Race All Stars.

Away from RuPaul’s hit present, Williams additionally appeared on mainstream tv exhibits together with Ant and Dec’s Saturday Evening Takeaway, had a visitor look on Emmerdale and most just lately competed on a Christmas particular of Blankety Clean.

Police say there aren’t any suspicious circumstances surrounding the demise.

An announcement from their supervisor, Simon Jones, requested for privateness for the star’s household and stated no additional particulars can be launched presently.