RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne was just remembered in a very special way
Drag queen The Vivienne was posthumously awarded an icon accolade at the first-ever Metro Pride Awards. James Lee Williams, who emerged victorious in the inaugural series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK under their stage persona, The Vivienne, passed away aged 32 this January, 2025.
The television personality’s relatives received the award on their behalf during the event in London on Wednesday, February 26, with Rylan Clark overseeing the festivities as host. On the red carpet, Clark shared with PA news agency: “She’s been taken way too soon, and Viv was such a talented performer, and it’s absolutely shocking that they’re not with us anymore.”
Fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant Cheryl, also known as Cheryl Hole and Cheryl The Queen, paid tribute to The Vivienne with a dedicated performance at the ceremony. Speaking to PA, the drag artist expressed: “This event is the first of its kind, and she was the pioneer, the trailblazer of UK drag and I truly am so honoured that we get to be here and keep her legacy alive and her spirit on fire.”
In the previous month, admirers and friends convened for a vigil at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, which shone green in homage to The Vivienne’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard Of Oz musical. The drag virtuoso had secured third place on Dancing On Ice in 2023 and was commemorated when the latest season commenced in January.
Speaking in 2019 before competing in the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, the performer shared the origins of their stage persona, saying: “I love Vivienne Westwood and when I moved to Liverpool everyone used to call me Vivienne as I was head to toe in Westwood.”
At the same event, esteemed actor and TV host Sir Stephen Fry was honoured with the lifetime achievement award, while pop icon Anastacia received the metro global recognition award. Singer Will Young took home the music hero of the year award, and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! sensation GK Barry was celebrated as the rising star.
Edward Enninful, the former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, was awarded celebrity of the year, and broadcaster Robert Rinder was named broadcaster of the year. Richard Hartley-Parkinson, executive editor of Metro, commented on the significance of the awards: “The Metro Pride Awards provide an important platform to recognise those who are making a real difference in the LGBTQ+ community.”
He added: “It was an inspiring night and we were thrilled to honour so many incredible individuals and organisations who continue to fight for equality.” He concluded by extending his congratulations: “Huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees.”
