NORTH Wales drag superstar The Vivienne is to take part in the opening ceremony for Eurovision.

The winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK will take to the stage in front of 30,000 people and a worldwide television audience of millions.

The Vivienne will make an appearance alongside Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas and actor Ricky Tomlinson who will both perform a spoken word piece.

The Vivienne said: "So proud to announce I’ll be performing at the official opening ceremony for Eurovision in front of 30,000 people!"

Fans were quick to congratulate the star, real name James Lee Williams, who grew up in Colwyn Bay and attended Rydal Penrhos School.

Annette Davis said: "Local superstar performing in his home town in front of millions of people......should be a doddle for you James. Proud of you."

Daniel Hammond said: "Congratulations! The Vivienne I wouldn’t normally watch it but as you’re performing I most certainly will."

Craig Holdcroft said: "Fantastic news hun, you’ll do Liverpool & all the U.K. so proud, definitely be tuning in, enjoy this once in a lifetime moment."

The Vivienne rose to fame on the Liverpool drag scene before winning the UK version of RuPaul's Drag Race.

They have since appeared on Emmerdale, Dancing on Ice, and the all winners season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.

They now live in Chester.

AJ Odudu will kick off celebrations in Liverpool alongside comedian Joel Dommett to host the National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome with special guests from music, sport and entertainment.

The 90-minute outdoor live show will take place outside St George’s Hall in the heart of Liverpool on the evening of Sunday May 7, with highlights to be included in BBC One’s Eurovision Welcomes The World.

Odudu said the UK hosting the music competition on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, after Kalush Orchestra won last year, encompasses the spirit of the show.

She told the PA news agency: “Ukraine is the host nation (but) because of extenuating circumstances the UK are going to host on their behalf and it does feel special because I think this is what Eurovision is all about.

“It brings everyone together and, even if it’s for one night only, everyone puts their troubles to one side, has a sing, gets all dressed up, has a dance and really shows the togetherness and the sense of community that is present in the world.

“But because of all the madness that goes on in the world, you forget sometimes that there is a lot of unity and love too.”

Despite being a “closely guarded secret”, organisers said the show will include performances from “iconic Liverpudlians” including girl band Atomic Kitten, Liverpudlian funk band The Real Thing, and rock band The Lightning Seeds – singers of the classic football anthem Three Lions.

Meanwhile, “Eurovision superstars” Conchita Wurst, the 2014 winner from Austria, and Ukrainian Eurovision winner Jamala, who competed in 2016, will also take part.

Odudu added: “I’m very excited to see Atomic Kitten because the last time I saw them they were switching on the Christmas lights in Blackburn town centre.

“To see them come together, an iconic girl band, in their home city in front of their home crowd will just be amazing.

“I absolutely love RuPaul’s Drag Race so I’m really excited to see The Vivienne, she’s fab.”