The world of drag was left heartbroken after the sudden death of The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, who shot to fame on RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019. Now, it has emerged that the star's former husband got them clean after their drug battle.
The star's publicist confirmed the tragic news of their passing on Sunday evening, describing the iconic queen as an "incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person". The Vivienne made history as the first drag queen to compete in Dancing On Ice, finishing third in the 2023 series. They also had their own BBC series, The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood, and even made a cameo on Emmerdale.
The star is survived by their loved ones, including ex-husband David Ludford, who runs a company selling wigs for drag queens called Drag Helmet Wigs.
David shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, writing: "This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria! ! " He revealed they "clicked straight away" and enjoyed a "whirlwind" relationship. David said James taught him "what it was really like to love someone", adding: "You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel."
The pair were the first couple to tie the knot at London's famous gay club, Heaven, in December 2019, reports the Mirror. James took to Instagram with heartfelt words: "This has been the most amazing day. I cannot thank @Jeremy_Joseph (club owner) enough. You've made it amazing."
The star deeply appreciated David's continual support throughout their demanding drag career and has publicly acknowledged his significant role in helping them conquer drug addiction and embrace sobriety. Amidst a battle with ketamine addiction on Liverpool's nightclub circuit, The Vivienne's decisive move to Gran Canaria in 2017 marked a turning point.
Sharing their story with The Mirror in 2023, they recalled an invitation that spurred change: "Some guys I knew from Gran Canaria asked me to do a gig in Pride," adding that after a week at the event, "I did it, I was there for a week and I felt like myself, and I hadn't touched anything for a week."
Although The Vivienne sought assistance from an NHS centre back home, it was ultimately the relocation to Spain and crossing paths with their eventual spouse, David—a waiter at Sparkles Show Bar in Las Palmas—that truly transformed their life.
Tony Oliver, manager of Sparkles, reflected on their journey: "She wanted to have a break from Liverpool because she wanted to get away from the drugs, so asked if she could come out for a year and work with us. She really mucked in and was fabulous."
