Police have released an update on the “sudden” death of RuPaul’s Drag Race star Vivienne.
James Lee Williams, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and came third on Dancing On Ice 2023, died at the weekend aged 32.
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Vivienne attends the launch of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK 2019 Credit: Getty
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The sad news of the death of James Lee Williams was confirmed on SundayCredit: Getty
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Vivienne was a Welsh drag queen, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK 2019. Credit: Getty
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James moved to Liverpool at the age of 16 and blossomed on the drag scene
A Cheshire Police spokesman said officers were called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.
A spokesman said: “Police attended, investigated the circumstances surrounding the death of a 32-year-old man and concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances.
“The file will be prepared for the coroner.”
The news of Williams’ death was announced by their publicist Simon Jones on Sunday night.
Mr Jones wrote that Williams, who was born in Wales and later moved to Liverpool, was “an incredibly loving, warm-hearted and amazing person”.
He added that Williams will be remembered for their “immense talent” and “the light they brought to every room was stunning”.
Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse remembered The Vivienne as a “phenomenal entertainer” and “leader”.
RuPaul’s fellow Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon said the star left “a mark on our hearts.”
RuPaul Drag Race judge Michelle Visage paid tribute to Williams, writing that their deaths were “heartbreaking”.
Alongside pictures of them together, Visage wrote on Instagram: “We’re going back to when I first started coming here to the UK.
Vivienne’s last TV appearance was broadcast just days before her tragic death at the age of 32
“You were always there, always smiling, always giving, always on point.
“Your laugh, your wit, your talent, your charm. I loved it all, but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to many.
“Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing to witness your dream come true before my eyes.
“I am lucky to have known you and to have laughed so many times with you.”
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Publicist Simon Jones shared this statement on Instagram
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Simon’s tribute continued
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The publicist said he is ‘so proud and lucky’ to have Vivienne in his life
Williams appeared as the Wicked Witch of the West in the UK and Irish tour of The Wizard of Oz and reprized the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theater last year.
They were due to return on tour next month to perform in the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as Childcatcher.
Speaking ahead of the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, Vivienne explained her name by saying: “I love Vivienne Westwood and when I moved to Liverpool everyone called me Vivienne because I was head to toe in Westwood.”
Vivienne said of her drag style: “My style is like a Scouse woman who came into the money, moved to LA and blew it, then had to come back to Liverpool.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race said it was “deeply saddened to learn of The Vivienne’s death.”
In a social media post, the television show said Williams’ “talent, humor and dedication to the art of Darling were an inspiration.”
Fiona Campbell, the BBC’s controller of youth ratings, said the news was “deeply sad”, adding that the broadcaster was “terribly proud of Vivienne’s achievements”.
Williams competed in Dancing on Ice the same year as former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer, who said in her tribute that she was “at a loss for words” and “deeply saddened”.
“You were so beautiful inside and out and I will never forget our experiences we shared during Dancing on Ice,” she wrote.
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton said it was “incredibly sad” and Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley described Vivienne as an “amazing human being” who will be missed.
A man who attacked the drag star in a hate crime in June 2023 was given a suspended prison sentence last January.
Liverpool Magistrates’ Court ruled that unemployed scaffolder Alan Whitfield’s attack on Williams was homophobic.
Williams’ face was bruised and injured for a week, but they told the court they were “thankfully” a 6ft former rugby player who could take the blow.
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The Vivienne on Blankety Blank Christmas Special 2024
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Vivienne finished in third place on the ITV show Credits: ITV
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Drag Queen at RuPaul’s DragCon at the Los Angeles Convention Center in 2022Credit: Getty
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Their other television appearances included Celebrity Hunted, Emmerdale and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night TakeawayCredit: BBC
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Vivienne and Colin Grafton dancing on IceCredit: Rex
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