DRAG queen ‘The Vivienne’ who won RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and starred in Dancing on Ice has died aged 32.
The sad news of the death of the “sweetest soul” James Lee Williams was confirmed tonight by publicist Simon Jones on social media.
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The sad news of the death of James Lee Williams was confirmed this eveningCredit: 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
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Publicist Simon Jones shared this statement on Instagram
Born and raised in North Wales, James moved to Liverpool aged 16 and blossomed on the drag scene where he took on fashion designer Vivienne Westwood inspired by the name.
The drag performer was only seen on Blankety Blank – previously hosted by drag legend Lily Savage – a few days ago in the Christmas special.
Their publicist Simon Jones wrote in a statement tonight: “It is with great sadness that we inform you that our beloved James Lee Williams – Vivienne, passed away this weekend.
“James was an incredibly loving, warm-hearted and amazing person.
“Their family is devastated by the loss of their son, brother and uncle.
“They are so proud of the wonderful things James has accomplished in their lives and careers.
“We will not be releasing any additional details.
“We ask that James’ family be given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
He added: “These are words I never wanted to write. Viv was a close friend of mine, 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 each room was stunning.
“No one in my life has ever made me laugh as hard as Viv. Their comedic genius and wit was like no other.”
Simon continued: “I am so proud and happy that Viv has been such a big part of my life every day for the last five years.
“Tragically, their careers were just at the beginning. In musical theater, Viv found a space and a career that they loved, excelled and progressed.
“I am heartbroken and devastated by this news.
“RIP my wonderful friend. You left us too soon.”
Vivienne was a Welsh drag queen who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK 2019.
But since 2016, James has appeared in a number of TV shows and films including Just Tattoo of Us, The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year, Celebrity Juice and Trump In Tweets.
In 2021, Vivienne appeared in The Weakest Link and Apocalypse Wow after impressing at The Great British Sewing Bee in late 2020.
They also co-hosted the All-Star Dance Off with comedian Steen Raskopoulos.
Emotional tributes have poured in since the news of James’ death.
“So heartbroken. Viv was such a good soul and passionate about her craft,” shared one.
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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
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The Vivienne on Blankety Blank Christmas Special 2024 Credit: It is not known, clearly with a picture table
Another wrote: “May the sweetest soul rest in peace.”
Marisha Wallace said: “I’m in complete shock. I just spoke to Viv last week. What on earth. Please pray for the family. So sad.”
Sheridan Smith added: “Oh my God! No! I’m so sorry Simone.”
“What an absolutely legendary man. Sending love and light to family, friends and fans,” someone else wrote.
“I’m so sorry, sending so much love. She was a gem,” another fan shared.
Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts said: “Omg! I can’t believe it. This is heartbreaking news.”
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared a collection of pictures with The Vivienne on Instagram with the caption: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel.
“My dear @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming here to the UK. 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 incredible for me 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.
“I love you my dear. I will miss you dearly my beauty. May your light shine bright, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
Love Island star Amber Davies said she was “just in complete disbelief.
“The biggest supporter and a wonderful soul. RIP our Viv, we all love you very much.”
English singer Perrie Edwards posted heart and plaster emojis
It comes after VIV made a chilling New Year’s announcement just days before their deaths.
The beloved entertainer shared highlights from the past year and revealed their excitement for the year ahead.
They wrote: “Some highlights from 24′. What a year it’s been. To reach new heights and make dreams come true in 25. Wishing everyone the most prosperous new year. You got this Viv xxxx”
Vivienne’s other television appearances included Celebrity Hunted, Emmerdale and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
The performer said that moving to Gran Canaria and meeting her husband David Ludford changed their lives for the better.
But in April 2023, the couple announced that they were separating.
And in June, James was punched by a man who made homophobic comments in a McDonald’s in Liverpool.
In December 2023 Alan Whitfield (51) from Everton was found guilty of homophobic assault and sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months.
In a victim impact statement, James said: “In a victim impact statement read out in court on Wednesday, Vivienne said: ‘As a proud gay man, I have never hidden who I am or edited myself.
“I’m ashamed to say at the age of 31, I’m now much more aware that I could be attacked at any moment just for living my life.
“This has caused me stress, anxiety and ongoing trauma.”
More to come… Keep checking The Sun Online for the latest on this story
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Vivienne finished in third place on the ITV show Credits: ITV
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A drag queen at RuPaul’s DragCon at the Los Angeles Convention Center 2022. Credit: 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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