Drag stars paid an emotional tribute to The Vivienne on Wednesday night with a dedicated performance for them, saying that ‘we’ve all had our tears’.

The heartfelt dance tribute took place as part of the inaugural Metro Pride Awards, where fellow queens came together to honour The Vivienne’s life and legacy.

Drag performer Elektra Fence, 33, told MailOnline: ‘It means everything to be here today. It’s positivity and celebration.

‘It’s so nice to see so many queer and fabulous people in the room. I’m performing in the tribute. We want it to be a celebration of The Viv’s life and her legacy because, knowing her so well, she wouldn’t want anyone to be upset.

‘She would want everyone to have a party and celebrate her life. So we want to do this to honour her and just have the best time.

‘It’s been a process. We’ve been through all the emotions, especially rehearsing and getting ready to do this performance. We’ve all had our tears.

Drag stars paid an emotional tribute to The Vivienne last night with a dedicated performance for them, saying that ‘we’ve all had our tears’

The heartfelt dance tribute took place as part of the inaugural Metro Pride Awards, where fellow queens came together to honour The Vivienne’s life and legacy

The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died suddenly last month at the age of 32. The Drag Race UK winner was honoured last night with the Icon Award for their groundbreaking contribution to drag, queer visibility and advocacy

‘But I think the thing that’s bonded us is we want this to be a celebration. So we’re here tonight, let’s just do it. Positive, smiling and focused.’

The drag queen, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died suddenly last month at the age of 32.

The Drag Race UK winner was honoured last night with the Icon Award for their groundbreaking contribution to drag, queer visibility and advocacy.

They had been one of the breakout stars of BBC series RuPaul’s Drag Race – the reality TV show in which drag queens compete in front of host RuPaul to be named his ‘superstar’.

The performers danced to ‘You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)’, the 1985 hit by ᴅᴇᴀᴅ or Alive, in a high-energy routine celebrating the drag icon’s impact.

Cheryl Hole, 31, added: ‘I’m so buzzed to be here, the first event, the first of its kind, and I’m just honoured to be here and to celebrate The Vivienne.

‘This tribute is so special to us because it is the most perfect way that we can honour her legacy and keep her spirit alive.

‘Everybody has their days. We have our ups and our downs, but we’re just honoured that Metro has given us this opportunity to honour the pioneer of UK drag, really.’

The queens rehearsed for a month in preparation for the tribute.

The tribute was introduced by broadcaster and the evening’s host Rylan, 36, who addressed the audience: ‘To continue their honour, it gives me great pleasure to introduce some of Viv’s friends, giving what I believe is going to be the most fantastic tribute to all of her work’

The performers danced to ‘You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)’, the 1985 hit by ᴅᴇᴀᴅ or Alive, in a high-energy routine celebrating the drag icon’s impact

Drag performer Elektra Fence, 33, told MailOnline that losing The Viv ‘has been a process. We’ve been through all the emotions, especially rehearsing and getting ready to do this performance. We’ve all had our tears.’

Cheryl explained: ‘We’re not in the studio every day, but we’ve done a few run-throughs. We’re ready. We’re celebrating British drag. It’s going to be camp. It’s going to be big drag. We’re going to do costume changes, big hair, a lot of sequins.’ 

At the end of the performance, Married at First Sight star Ella Morgan, 31, praised the cast, saying: ‘You did her so proud. She will be like, ‘Those s**ts. They make me look like s**t. No, she could never.’

‘But honestly, you all looked lovely, you did amazing. I’m so proud of you. You are the s**t. You were serving c***y, and I was living for it. The Viv would be like, ‘These little s**ts, they’re actually not that bad.”

Baga Chip, 35, shared: ‘We all had fun, we had a laugh. The audience were loving it, so I think we did all right.’

Danny Beard, 32, added: ‘We’ve had the best time celebrating our sister. I hope you’ve enjoyed a peek behind the curtain.’

The tribute was introduced by broadcaster and the evening’s host Rylan, 36, who addressed the audience: ‘Please take your seats because we have a very special performance now. If I could have a little bit of hush in the room, please. 

‘Because earlier on, as you all know, we were very, very honoured to have The Vivienne’s family with us this evening.

At the end of the performance, Baga Chips, 35, shared: ‘We all had fun, we had a laugh. The audience were loving it, so I think we did all right.’

Danny Beard, 32, added: ‘We’ve had the best time celebrating our sister. I hope you’ve enjoyed a peek behind the curtain’

The Vivienne’s father paid a heartbreaking tribute to their son after Drag Race UK winner was honoured with and Icon Award (also pictured is The Viv’s sister)

‘And tonight, to continue their honour, it gives me great pleasure to introduce some of Viv’s friends, giving what I believe is going to be the most fantastic tribute to all of her work. So, ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for a tribute to The Vivienne.’

Elsewhere on the night, The Vivienne’s father paid a heartbreaking tribute to their son.

Lee accepted the award on behalf of The Vivienne, and got choked up as he spoke about his loss.

‘James loved being a part of the entertainment world and I know he would’ve been happy… I know he would have absolutely loved tonight’s events,’ Lee said.

‘When he was nominated for the Metro award for rising star last year he was honoured and made up to be here. So whilst it is extremely bittersweet to be here without him, being under this roof meant the world to him.’