JADE and JLS’ Aston Merrygold among mourners at funeral for The Vivienne
The former 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' winner passed away earlier this month, aged 32 The post JADE and JLS’ Aston Merrygold among mourners at funeral for The Vivienne appeared first on NME.
JADE and JLS’ Aston Merrygold were among the mourners at the funeral of former Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne on Monday (January 27).
The star – real name James Lee Willilams – was found dead on January 5 at the age of 32 at their home in Cheshire. Police later confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances around their passing.
The service was held at a church in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire in North Wales and saw a number of The Vivienne’s friends in attendance, including former Little Mix star JADE and JLS singer Aston Merrygold, as well as Ian ‘H’ Watkins of Steps, Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney, comedian Jayde Adams, former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona, actress Jennifer Ellison and TV personality Kim Woodburn.
A horse-drawn carriage carried a coffin with a white floral arrangement and tributes reading ‘Vivienne’, ‘James’ and ‘Son’.
The Vivienne was the winner of the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, having already risen to prominence in 2015 after becoming the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series.
Williams, who was born in Wales, also came third on the 2023 series of Dancing On Ice, and was also known for their role in the musical version of The Wizard Of Oz.
A vigil was held for The Vivienne on January 12 outside Liverpool’s St. George’s Hall, with the venue being lit up in green while crowds performed a moving rendition of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’.
Publicist Simon Jones, who originally confirmed The Vivienne’s death, paid tribute to the late star during the ceremony too.
“I will remember The Vivienne as being a really kind-hearted, lovely person as well as being the most amazing talent,” Jones said.
“What I loved the most about The Vivienne was that she made me laugh the whole time. There is literally no one who has made me laugh as much as Viv, whether that was at a show where she was reading the audience… or when we were going for lunch or dinner or hanging out.
“There was always a quick one-liner and something a bit savage. She was always hilarious and I’m really going to miss that. She brought so much love and warmth into my life.”
Williams’ ex-husband David Ludford also paid tribute earlier this month, writing: “My heart literally sank when I got the call!! My heart is shattered!!! Never in a million years did I think I’d ever be writing anything like this”. He would go on to describe his former partner as an “angel”. The couple divorced in 2023 after six years together.
The post JADE and JLS’ Aston Merrygold among mourners at funeral for The Vivienne appeared first on NME.
