RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne has died at the age of 32.
James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, passed away at the weekend, publicist Simon Jones said in a statement.
The performer found fame as the winner of the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and also competed on ITV’s Dancing On Ice in March 2023.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” Mr Jones said in a statement on social media.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle.
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“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 in an update on Monday 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.”
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Among those paying tribute were Drag Race judge Michelle Visage who said they were “a beacon to so many”.
Alongside pictures of them together, Visage wrote: “Heartbreaking, I don’t know how to say how I feel.
“My darling The Vivienne- 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.”
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RuPaul’s Drag Race also paid tribute to The Vivienne, saying the show was “deeply saddened” to learn of the star’s death.
A message on X added: “Her talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration.
“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion.
“Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”
Radio presenter James Barr said: “Simon I’m so so sorry. I’m heartbroken. James was such a beautiful person,” while Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts added: “Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news,” alongside a broken heart emoji.
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton said the news was “unbelievably sad”.
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In a post on X, Cotton said: “This is so unbelievably sad. James was a real joy to be around. We loved him x.”
Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley referred to the star as an “incredible human” who will be missed.
Posting to Instagram, Riley said: “You incredible human…..rest in peace.
“Never stop shining your beautiful light over us all.
“Love and strength to all your family. We will miss you so much.”
Fellow Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash was also among those posting messages of condolence in response to the news, writing on social media: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”.
John Hyland, community partnerships lead at Sahir, a LGBTQ+ and HIV charity in Liverpool, also paid tribute. Drag fans have been donating to Sahir’s latest campaign as a mark of respect for The Vivienne, who posted about the appeal just days before their death.
Mr Hyland said: “It says a lot to Viv’s character that her last social post was about our Pound for Sahir campaign. She just wanted to give back.
“If you look at the response tonight, I think we’re going to be in mourning in this city for a long time. The Vivienne was an amazing character, an amazing influence.”
Williams, who was born in Wales, adopted the drag name as they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
They 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.
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