January 12th 2025.
The city of Liverpool was filled with love and remembrance as hundreds of people gathered to honor the beloved drag queen, The Vivienne, at a vigil. The ceremony was a beautiful tribute to the late RuPaul's Drag Race winner, also known as James Lee Williams, who tragically passed away at the young age of 32. The event, held on the steps of St George's Hall, was a heartwarming display of support from fans, family, and friends.
Among the attendees was former Emmerdale actor Liam Fox, who had the pleasure of working with Williams in the theatre production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Liam, along with his wife Joanna Fox, paid their respects to their dear friend and colleague. Despite not having crossed paths during their time on the ITV soap, Liam and Williams formed a close bond during their musical gig together.
Reflecting on the emotional event, Liam shared with Metro his thoughts on the touching speeches and musical performances that took place. He also mentioned a particularly special moment during the ceremony when the attendees spontaneously released balloons into the sky during the song "For Good" from the musical Wicked, in which Williams played the role of the Wicked Witch in the West End.
Liam and Williams first met in September, but Liam says it feels like they have known each other forever. In Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Williams played the Child Catcher while Liam portrayed Grandpa Potts in the touring production. Liam added that Williams, who was a world-class star, had a special place in their heart for their hometown of Liverpool.
St George's Hall was lit up in green to honor Williams' starring role in Wicked, and other buildings across the city joined in by lighting up in the same color. The area was also aglow with the light from phone torches and candles held high by the attendees as they swayed to the music during performances of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and songs by Cher and David Bowie.
The vigil featured heartfelt speeches from Williams' manager Simon Jones, who fondly recalled the magic and laughter that Williams brought into their life. Fellow RuPaul's Drag Race winner Danny Beard also spoke about the strong bond they shared with Williams and how they had left the party too early. Radio presenter Pete Price shared that Williams' career was just getting started, and they were destined for even bigger things.
Williams' best friend Bobby Musker shared that they were the brightest star they had ever known, with an unmistakable energy that made them stand out in a crowd. A special message from Williams' family was also read, expressing their gratitude for the overwhelming love and support for their beloved son, brother, uncle, and true icon.
Williams' young niece, Isabella, also had a special message for her uncle, thanking everyone for coming and expressing her love for him. The attendees then released balloons into the sky as a final tribute to Williams.
The vigil was organized by Sahir House, the oldest LGBTQ+ charity in Liverpool, for which Williams was an ambassador. They also announced that a book of condolence would be available at the Museum of Liverpool for the next week, which would eventually be given to Williams' family.
On the same evening, Dancing On Ice paid their own tribute to Williams, but it was met with disappointment from viewers who called it "disgusting." Williams, who was born and raised in North Wales, moved to Liverpool at the young age of 16. They went on to compete and win the first UK series of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2019 and returned for the All-Stars edition in 2022.
Williams was also a contestant on Channel 4's Celebrity Hunted in 2022, and in 2023, they made history as the first drag queen to compete on Dancing On Ice, finishing in third place with their professional partner Colin Grafton. Williams' last appearance on screen was in the festive special of Blankety Blank on Boxing Day.
In 2019, Williams married David Ludford, but unfortunately, the couple announced their separation in 2023. The Vivienne may have left this world too soon, but their legacy and impact will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them. Rest in peace, dear Viv.
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