The Vivienne has died aged 32 it has been announced.
The star born James Lee Williams became a household name thanks to their charm and humour. The devastating news comes just a week after The Vivienne appeared on stage in the theatre production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Vivienne had also been active on social media in the days leading up to her sad death. Just days before her death, The Vivienne had the likes of Jane McDonald, Bradley Walsh, Joel Dommett, Oti Mabuse and Jonathan Ross in fits of laughter as she shared her Christmas experience.
A spokesperson for the RuPaul's Drag Race UK star took to social media on Sunday night to confirm the shattering news. In a statement, they 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. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James's family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve."
Simon Jones, a close friend and publicist for The Vivienne shared the news alongside a broken heart emoji. Tributes have since poured in for the late telly star from the likes of Michelle Visage, Ashley Roberts and Lisa Riley.
In a separate post, Simon explained how "proud" he was of The Vivienne and revealed an insight into their close bond. He penned: "These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.
"I'm so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It's tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon."
Meanwhile, Michelle Visage commented: "I don't have the words. Utterly heartbroken." Brian Dowling commented: "Simon this is absolutely heartbreaking." Emmerdale star Lisa Riley penned: "Broken," alongside a string of crying emojis. Presenter Harriet Rose added: "Oh Simon I'm so sorry for your loss. That is absolutely heartbreaking." Radio presenter James Barr said: "Simon I’m so so sorry. I'm heartbroken. James was such a beautiful person." The Wanted's Siva Kaneswaren said: "So sorry to hear Simon. He spoke of you so fondly. I'm heartbroken. Take care ok."
Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts added: "Omg! I can't believe this. This is heartbreaking news," alongside a broken heart emoji. Meanwhile, Union J singer Jaymi Hensley shared a snap with The Vivienne writing: "I actually can’t believe this! When we took this photo little did we know there would only be three of us left. my darling @ollymarmon please welcome our beautiful James @thevivienne_ into heaven! Look after each other , this is too much for my heart to handle! The scales of better people being up there then here has now well and truly changed."
In a separate post on Instagram, Michelle Visage shared snaps of herself and The Vivienne together. Writing alongside the upload, she said: "Heartbreaking. I don't know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.
"Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high."
Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, said: "We are currently processing the deeply sad news of the passing of James Lee Williams, known to many as The Vivienne. We are fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements, including winning the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Right now our thoughts are with their family and friends, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many fans."
The official RuPaul's account also paid tribute, writing: "Her talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time."
The Vivienne's cause of death has not been confirmed. Just three days before their passing, The Vivienne took to social media to ask for fans help as they vowed to "give back." In a post shared on Instagram, they said: "Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpools oldest LGBT+ charity!!! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won’t miss it."
The star who found fame on Ru Paul's Drag Race amassed a staggering following thanks to their quick wit and humour over the years. They first appeared on screens back in 2015 on the American series before later appearing on the UK edition just four years later. But it wasn't just her charm that they was known for – during their time on the show, The Vivienne entertained the judging panel and viewers at home with their impression of President Donald Trump and Baroness Margaret Thatcher.
Away from their television career, The Vivienne also used their platform to raise awareness of charities, including Sahir House, a charity based in Liverpool, providing a safe space for those to speak freely without stigma, abuse, or exploitation related to HIV. Just three weeks ago, the late star was seen supporting the charity at an event as she impersonated Donald Trump once again.
The drag icon was given her colourful name thanks to her love for wearing clothing designed by the late Vivienne Westwood. Speaking previously, she said: "I love Vivienne Westwood, and when I moved to Liverpool everyone used to call me Vivienne, as I was head to toe in Westwood, so when I started doing drag it was a natural progression, but I didn't want one of those cheap, nasty, slutty drag names so I thought of 'The Vivienne' and here she is, there's only one of them."
The star star found fame back in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of Ru Paul's Drag Race. They went on to compete and win the UK series in 2019 before later competing in the seventh series, which was the All-Stars series in 2022. Away from this, the star also gained a new fanbase after competing on ITV's Dancing On Ice in March 2023, during which, they finished in third place. In June 2023, they were presented with Scene of the Year at the 2023 British Soap Awards.
But it wasn't just drag and TV work at The Vivienne was known for – they put their immense talent to the test as they took on the role of The Wicked Witch of the West in the 2011 production of The Wizard of Oz – a role which they later took on in London's West End. They also made an appearance on ITV's Emmerdale in June 2021. Despite being one of the best known faces in the entertainment industry, The Vivienne chose to keep a lot of their personal life private,
They married David Ludford in 2019 but in April 2023, announced that they had decided to separate from one another. The star was born in Blyth, before moving to Liverpool at the age of 16.
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