Tributes paid to drag queen who died following illness

Sutton had performed on stage in pantomime in Brighton, as well as appearing on TV shows

Tributes have been paid to a drag queen who has died following an illness.

Jason Sutton, known as Miss Jason and described as a "phenomenal pantomime dame, drag queen and comedian", was confirmed to have passed away on Monday.

Sutton had performed on stage in pantomime in Brighton, as well as appearing on TV shows.

Scene Magazine posted on its Facebook page: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Jason Sutton aka Miss Jason - a giant of our community. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this incredibly sad time."

BBC Radio Sussex presenter Allison Ferns performed alongside Sutton in pantomimes. Posting on her X (formerly Twitter) page, she said: "I will always be so grateful I got the chance to do panto with you.

"Love you dear."

Fellow drag queen Lola Lasange told BBC Radio Sussex: "It took us by surprise. He was so full of life, lit up every room he went into and made such an impact with his charity and performances.

"It was hard to tell a difference between him when he was and wasn't in costume. He had the wisest yet silliest head on him and he enjoyed living in Rottingdean with his partner and dog."

His management team added: "Jason was an incredible light in our community with 32 years of entertaining us all, and it won’t be the same without them.

"Jason will never be forgotten.

"We love you and will miss you immensely. Our thoughts are with Terry Ward, his family and his friends at this time."

Brighton Pride's Facebook page added: "Heart broken to hear of the passing of Jason Sutton.

"A good friend of Pride for many years, from the cabaret stage to the Pride Dog Show, he was always a joy to work with.

"An unsung hero of the community, Jason we love you immensely and will miss you."