As the effervescent, hilarious winner of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK, The Vivienne had everything to look forward to.
But heartbreakingly, that future was snatched away when the performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died last weekend aged just 32.
In the days leading up to their death, it appears The Vivienne - or Viv, as they were known to friends - had been busy making plans for 2025, with reports suggesting they were planning to move into a new £400,000 house and had booked a holiday.
On Boxing Day, The Vivienne celebrated a hugely successful year on Instagram with a series of snapshots including their performances in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - the West End musical the performer was touring the UK with playing The Child Catcher - and BBC The Vivienne's Ultimate Queens Christmas Party, which saw the star take over BBC Radio Wales for two hours to celebrate 2024's 'queen moments'.
Alongside their career accomplishments were smiling photos with treasured friends and colleagues. "What a year it's been" they said, adding poignantly: "Here's to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in '25. Wishing all the most prosperous new year. You got this."
The star is thought to have made their last public appearance a week ago, in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Blackpool. When the sad news broke, Liam Calland, a senior content operations executive at ITV, shared a photo with The Vivienne on X.
"Absolutely heartbreaking news about The Vivienne," he wrote. "We only saw him at Chitty in Blackpool last Sunday and he was incredible as The Child Catcher. Owned the part. So sad for his family, love to all the @ChittyOnTour Team who will be hurting so badly."
Just five days ago, the kind hearted drag artist was thinking of others when they urge fans to donate £1 to LGBTQ+ and HIV charity SAHIR. "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," they wrote.
Then sadly, on Monday, fans were plunged into shock by news of their passing. Police confirmed they had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death, finding 'no suspicious circumstances'. A friend of the drag star as since shared they were found dead by their distraught dad and stepmum on Sunday and that it is believed they had died earlier that week.
"Their devastated dad raised the alarm and believed they had passed away a day or two before being found," a source told the Sun. "James was due to move to a £400,000 house next week, and had a holiday lined up. They were planning a tour and really had everything to live for."
Announcing The Vivienne's death, their publicist and friend, Simon Jones, issued a statement that read: "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."
in 2023, the star was subjected to a horrific 'homophobic' attack at a McDonald's in Liverpool. At the time, they took to Twitter, now X, to explain what had happened, writing: "Just been attacked in McDonald’s, Police on way. Homophobia alive and well folks! First time I’ve never retaliated in a fight because I’m not gonna punch somebody in front of kids and women. #pieceofs**t."
The Vivienne later provided an update, thanking staff at the fast-food restaurant. "Thank you all for you concern, the police have been great and I believe the culprit has been been found," they told their followers. "Two lovely ladies just came and complimented my hair and said I look lovely, what a stark contrast of people we have on this planet! All in a day huh? A punch and a compliment.
"Huge thank you to the fantastic staff at @McDonaldsUK Edge Lane who acted fast and removed the idiot from the premises and did everything in their power to make sure I was ok and waited for police with me." They added: "HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!"
After being left shaken by the ambush on Saturday, June 17, James shared a heartfelt message from their mum. Sharing an Instagram caption, they penned: "Today I thought I’d wake up and it would be like a normal day, but I think in 31 years this one has shook me.
"Then mum sent me this bless her. I haven’t experienced hate like that for years, never mind in the middle of the day. Done nothing but make me use my voice louder and clearer!" The message read: "Hi to everyone out there. As a very proud mother of James (Vivienne) I want to share my heartfelt sorrow for the terrible situation that has recently happened.
"To hear that my most talented son was attacked in Liverpool was not only shocking and disgraceful but really upsetting for me and my family. Those of you that have known James/Viv will be aware of the love, passion and commitment to the Liverpool community that he has shared.
"Upholding and raising the profile of the LGBTQ+ community he has made a huge difference to the lives of so many people who have gained confidence and self belief to come forward to identify as they choose and live a life where they are happy and fulfilled. As James/Vivs mother I was relieved to hear this attack was dealt with appropriately by both the police and the employer. This should not and cannot be tolerated in contemporary society."
This time last year on January 5, 2024, the man who punched The Vivienne received a 12-week jail term, suspended for 18 months, after being found guilty of the assault at Liverpool Magistrates'. Alan Whitfield, 51, admitted to assaulting the drag star but denied it was motivated by homophobia.
He claimed he was having "banter" because he thought they looked like an 'Oompa Loompa from Charlie And The Chocolate Factory'. At the sentencing, District Judge Paul Healey told him: "Your behaviour was really appalling. The most serious aggravating feature of the offence is the fact that it was motivated by hostility to the victim because of their sexual orientation."
The performer was previously married to David Ludford, with the couple the first to get married at famous London gay club Heaven when they tied the knot in 2019. "You will always have a place in my heart," their ex-husband wrote on Facebook after the news broke. "Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel."
David, who runs a company selling wigs for drag queens, added: "This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria!!" and said their relationship was 'like a whirlwind'. Despite divorcing in April 2023, David said had James showed him 'what it was really like to love someone' and added that he wouldn't have changed anything about their time together.
In a follow-up post to his statement announcing the star's death, publicist pal Simon revealed how "proud" he was of The Vivienne and gave an insight into their close bond. He added: "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."