Craig Revel Horwood paid an emotional tribute to friend The Vivienne on stage during the first night of his tour. The Strictly Come Dancing judge’s voice trembled as he remembered the drag star, who died in January from a heart attack after taking ketamine.

Craig, 60, showed a picture of the RuPaul’s Drag Race favourite - whose real name was James Lee Williams - on stage. The pair became good pals after both starred in the Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West. “This is difficult to talk about because I shared a role with The Vivienne, who sadly, not long ago, departed this wonderful earth at the age of 32,” explained Craig.

“We had such a great time together learning the part and backstage. It was just a shock. We’d made really great friends She sent me this fabulous little thing for my opening night. These great big set of jewels made for the Wicked Witch of the west. I gave her a pair of gorgeous green boots.”

Showing a video clip from her wearing the boots, Craig added: “She really was a wonderful human being.” He then sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow as a tribute, calling out “Love you, Viv! Rest in Peace.”

Craig kicked off the first night of bis 47-date UK tour Revelations: Songs Boys Don’t Sing at Thornden Hall, Eastleigh near Southampton on Friday night. He entertained the crowds with songs and conversation, as he looked back at his career and life.