RuPaul's Drag Race UK and Dancing on Ice star The Vivienne dies at 32 as tributes paid
The Vivienne, who won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, has died aged 32, a statement released on social media on Sunday night has confirmed
RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice contestant James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, has tragically died aged 32.
A spokesperson for the RuPaul's Drag Race UK star confirmed the devastating news on social media Sunday evening.
The spokesperson issued a statement which read: "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
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"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, who was close to The Vivienne and served as their publicist, shared the heartbreaking announcement with a broken heart emoji, reports the Mirror.
RuPaul's Drag Race UK judge Michelle Visage also expressed her grief, commenting: "I don't have the words. Utterly heartbroken."
Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts also shared her shock at the news, writing: "Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news".
EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer also wrote: "Hang on What ???????"
"Speechless. James was a joy. What a loss x," added Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton.
Williams first rose to fame in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The Vivienne went on to be crowned the first ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and subsequently appeared in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.
They also became the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice in 2023, finishing in third place. The star has also made appearances on the likes of Celebrity Juice, CelebAbility, Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway and This Morning.
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