Kerry Katona had to "pull out" of going to The Vivienne's funeral
The 'Drag Race UK' winner - who was a close friend of the former Atomic Kitten singer - passed away at the age of 32 in January and Kerry was meant to go to pay her respects, but couldn't make it and is still "really devastated" by the loss
6 February 2025
Writing in her OK! Magazine column, she explained: "I was meant to go to The Vivienne's funeral last week, but unfortunately I had to pull out at the last minute which was a real shame. I did pay tribute in my own way but was sad to have to pull out. Their death is still really devastating to me. We've lost too many good people this year already, it's awful.
Kerry - who was initially married to Westlife singer Brian McFadden and has Molly Marie, 23, and Lilly-Sue, 22, with him as well as Max, 16, and 17-year-old Heidi with Mark Croft and DJ, 10, with the late George Kay - admitted that she struggles with funerals and didn't even attend that of her third husband's when he passed away in 2019.
She said: "I do find funerals very difficult to cope with - I didn't even go to my husband George's funeral when he died. I've been focusing on quality time this week to help with sad times like these, it was my mum's 65th birthday over the weekend so I spent time with her which was really nice. I don't know how many birthdays she'll have left so it's important to me that I'm there."
Amongst the mourners were Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall, Steps star Ian 'H' Watkins and former 'How Clean Is Your House?' host Kim Woodburn.
Claire Sweeney - who is known for her work in musical theatre and currently stars in 'Coronation Street' - was also in attendance, as was former 'X Factor' contestant Marcus Collins.
Fellow 'Drag' Race' contestants Tia Kofi, Baga Chipz, Danny Beard and Cheryl Hole also arrived to remember their friend and former co-star.
JLS singer Aston Merrygold was also there, just months after he and The Vivenne had starred together in a new West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's version of 'The Wizard of Oz'.
The drag icon had taken on the role of the Wicked Witch of the West and a pointed hat was placed amongst the floral tributes.
A crown and sceptre - which were granted to James at the end of the 'Drag Race' final - were carried into the church just before the coffin.
James' famous moniker came from a passion for Vivienne Westwood clothing, and some mourners were spotted wearing badges bearing the fashion house's logo on their lapels.
The former 'Dancing on Ice' contestant was starring as the Childcatcher in a touring production of 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' in Blackpool and played the role for the final time just days before the tragedy occurred.
No cause of death has been announced as yet for the former 'Celebrity Hunted' contestant but police confirmed that there were "no suspicious circumstances" surrounding The Vivienne's passing.
On January 5, a spokesperson said: "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
"James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person.
"Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career."
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