An emotional vigil was held in Liverpool on Sunday to honor The Vivienne, the celebrated drag performer who passed away at 32(Image: thevivienne_/Instagram)

The Vivienne's young niece addresses crowd at vigil as Liverpool turns green for late icon

An emotional vigil was held in Liverpool on Sunday to honor The Vivienne, the celebrated drag performer who passed away at 32. The family of the RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner described them as someone who 'brought sparkle to life' and would be 'remembered for eternity.'

by · The Mirror

During an emotional vigil on Sunday night in Liverpool, the family of drag performer The Vivienne described them as someone who "brought sparkle to life" and promised they would be remembered "for eternity."

The Vivienne, who passed away at the age of 32, was the first winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. The star's death was confirmed by their publicist earlier this month, and tributes have been pouring in from around the world.

A large crowd gathered on the steps of St George's Hall to honor the memory of The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, following their passing last week at the age of 32. As friends, family and fans gathered, St George’s Hall was lit up in green in a nod to the drag queen’s role playing the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard Of Oz musical.

Hundred gathered in Liverpool to pay tribute to the late star( Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

To pay tribute, the iconic landmark was illuminated in green, a nod to The Vivienne's portrayal of the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. The event featured a heartfelt moment as attendees waved their phone torches while a moving rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow played.

The family, in a statement delivered by The Vivienne's friend Bobby Musker, expressed, "As a family, we are deeply touched and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, also known as The Vivienne. As a family we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne."

They added: "From an early age it was evident he was destined for the stage... he was determined to pave his own way in this world," they said. The road was not easy but the dream never, ever changed and James would always tell us that they would make it happen and they did. The family said they were "so unbelievably proud of everything they achieved. We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will all love you."

Isabella, The Vivienne's young niece, stepped up to the microphone and spoke to the crowd. She said: ""Thank you for being here to celebrate my uncle, I love you Uncle James."

Tributes are still pouring in for the Drag Race UK winner( Image: thevivienne_/Instagram)
The Vivienne had been due to perform in Wicked The Musical later this year( Image: Getty Images)

Drag queen Danny Beard said they had just come back from RuPaul’s Drag Con where “the love for Viv was really overwhelming”. “I think this is what tonight should be about… a celebration of someone who touched the lives of so many,” they said. “The Vivienne was one of the world’s most recognisable drag queens, proper world class entertainer.

“And above all a shining beacon in all of our lives and especially for the LGBT (community). She also used her platform to spread joy, advocate for acceptance, challenge stereotypes and to be a voice for those who need it.”

Another friend of the TV star remembered The Vivienne as a “legend” who was “always willing to experiment and push the boundaries of fashion, make-up and, of course, drag”. Videos from the gathering show people letting off dozens of balloons as the song For Good from the musical Wicked plays.

In 2023, The Vivienne was paired with Colin Grafton on Dancing on Ice, where they finished in third place. In the wake of The Vivienne's passing, Colin paid tribute to his late skating partner, saying: "They truly brought light into every room they entered and gave so many people hope where there was none."

As the show returned for a new series this evening, hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern paid tribute to The Vivienne. As the 2025 cast was introduced to viewers, Holly paused the show to share the touching statement. "Before we move on, like us, many of you have been saddened by the tragedy of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend," Holly began telling ITV viewers.

"Now, they were a huge part of the show, making it all the way to the final in 2023 and they’ll be very sorely missed, the former This Morning presenter continued. "Our thoughts are with The Vivienne’s loved ones at this sad time. So sad."

"Absolutely,” Stephen agreed, before changing tone to say: "Ok, tonight’s we’ll see our first six couples take to the ice - the other six couples will perform next week - so lets crack on with the very first celebrity." Viewers were left divided by the brief tribute, with many on social media admitting they expected more.

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