RuPaul's Drag Race UK and Dancing on Ice star The Vivienne has died aged 32
Tributes have been paid to RuPaul's Drag Race UK star The Vivienne who died aged 32, as Good Morning Britain reports
RuPaul's Drag Race UK star, James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne, has died aged 32 this weekend according to their representatives.
Cheshire Police said they were called to an address near Chester on Sunday after reports of a "sudden death", but confirmed there were "no suspicious circumstances".
Their publicist described the star as a "loved, warm-hearted and amazing person."
In a statement on social media, Simon Jones said: "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."
A spokesman for Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.
The spokesman said: "Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner."
Born in Wales, Williams adopted their drag name as they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
The Vivienne was best known for their appearance on the popular competition show, RuPaul's Drag Race UK winning the first series in 2019 and going on to appear in the all stars version in 2022.
Of their drag style, The Vivienne said: “My style is like a Scouse wife who has come into money, she moved to LA and blew it all and then she’s had to move back to Liverpool.
“I like to have a really fierce look, but I like to be hilarious on stage so I’m kind of an old school and the new school put together which I think works.
“Comedy is definitely my trump card. My favourite trick in drag is my vocal impersonations so I do everyone from Kim Woodburn, Cilla Black, Donald Trump – you name it, I’ll do it – for the right price.”
Following their win in 2019, The Vivienne said they were “made up” adding: “That crown is going to look gorgeous, I can see me there washing the dishes in it.”
The Vivienne landed in the finale alongside Baga Chipz and Divina De Campo, with judge Graham Norton saying in the final critique ahead of the winner being named that The Vivienne had “it all”.
In 2023, they took part in ITV's Dancing on Ice and came third saying they were "honoured" to be the first drag performer to compete in the skating competition.
Williams performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.
Tributes have been paid by friends and celebrities close to the star.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK said it was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne”.
In a post on social media, the television show said Williams’s “talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration”.
Season 2 contestant Bimini Bon Boulash responded to the news on Instagram, writing: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock.”
Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race said she was “utterly heartbroken” at the news of The Vivienne’s death.
Alongside pictures of them together, Visage wrote: “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.”
In a personal note, publicist Mr Jones wrote on Instagram Mr Jones wrote in a tribute on Instagram: "These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend. 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 every room was astonishing.
"No-one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.”
The tribute continued saying: “I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last five years.
"It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in.
"I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon."
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly wrote on X: “Oh this is so sad – such a lovely, funny, whip smart and generous person. A delight to interview. My thoughts with everyone who loved The Vivienne.”
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton said the news of the death of James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, was “unbelievably sad”.
In a post on X, Cotton said: “This is so unbelievably sad. James was a real joy to be around. We loved him x.”
A man who attacked the drag star in a hate crime in June 2023 received a suspended jail term last January.
Liverpool Magistrates’ Court ruled the one-punch attack by unemployed scaffolder Alan Whitfield on Williams was homophobic.
Williams’s face was bruised and hurt for a week, but they told the court that “luckily” they were a 6ft ex-rugby player who could take a punch.
After the attack was ruled as homophobic, they said how the experience had caused them "stress, anguish and ongoing trauma".
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