DRAG queen The Vivienne’, and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, has tragically died aged 32.
The sad news of “sweetest soul” James Lee Williams’ death was confirmed this evening by publicist Simon Jones on social media.
Born and raised in North Wales, James moved to Liverpool at 16 years old and flourished in the drag scene where he took on a name inspired fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.
The drag performer was only seen on Blankety Blank – previously hosted by drag legend Lily Savage – days ago on the Christmas special.
Their publicist Simon Jones wrote in a statement tonight: “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.”
The Vivienne was a Welsh drag queen, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.
But since 2016, James had appeared on 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, The Vivienne appeared on The Weakest Link and Apocalypse Wow after impressing on The Great British Sewing Bee at the end of 2020.
They also co-hosted All-Star Dance Off with comedian Steen Raskopoulos.
Emotional tributes have poured in since news of James’ death.
“So heartbroken. The Viv was such a kind soul and passionate at her craft,” shared one.
Another wrote: “May she rest in peace the sweetest soul.”
Marisha Wallace said: “I’m in total shock I just spoke to Viv last week. What in the world. Let’s pray for the family. So sad.”
Sheridan Smith added: “Oh my god! No! So sorry Simon.”
“What an absolute legendary human. Sending love and light to family, friends and fans,” penned someone else.
“I’m so sorry, sending so much love. She was a gem,” shared another fan.
Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts said: “Omg! I can’t believe this. 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 darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.
“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.
“Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.
“I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
The Vivienne’s other appearances on television included Celebrity Hunted, Emmerdale and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
In the show, James spoke of their struggle with ketamine addiction revealing they were hospitalised three times in one month with medics telling him they feared for their life.
The performer said moving to Gran Canaria and meeting husband David Ludford changed life.
But in April 2023, the couple announced their separation.
And in June, James was punched by a man making homophobic comments in a McDonald’s in Liverpool.
In December 2023, Alan Whitfield, 51, Everton, was found guilty of assault motivated by homophobia and sentenced to 12 weeks in prison with an 18-month suspended sentence.
In a victim impact statement James said: “In a victim personal statement read to the court on Wednesday, The Vivienne said: ‘As a proud gay man, I have never hidden who I am or edited myself.
“It shames me to say at the age of 31, I am now a lot more conscious that I could be attacked at any moment simply for living my life.
“This has caused me stress, anguish and ongoing trauma.”
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