Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK’s sparkling champion, The Vivienne, tragically passed away last weekend at the tender age of 32. Offstage, James Lee Williams, as The Vivienne was otherwise known, seemingly had everything to look forward to with grand plans for 2025.
Reports indicated an imminent move into a new £400,000 home and holiday plans. Come Boxing Day, The Vivienne relived a stellar year on Instagram, sharing a mix of professional milestones – starring roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and hosting BBC The Vivienne’s Ultimate Queens Christmas Party on BBC Radio Wales – along with heartwarming snaps alongside close friends and colleagues.
The caption encapsulated their optimism: “What a year it’s been” they remarked, followed by the touching hope that ’25 would bring even loftier achievements to all: “Here’s to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in ’25. Wishing all the most prosperous new year. You got this.”
Last seen a week before their untimely passing in the Blackpool showing of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Vivienne’s surprising departure grieved fans and fellow artists alike, with ITV’s Liam Calland posting a tribute amidst the collective mourning, reports the Mirror.
“Absolutely heartbreaking news about The Vivienne,” he penned. “We only saw him at Chitty in Blackpool last Sunday and he was incredible as The Child Catcher. Owned the part. So sad for his family, love to all the @ChittyOnTour Team who will be hurting so badly.”
Just five days ago, the compassionate drag artist was thinking of others when they urged fans to donate £1 to LGBTQ+ and HIV charity SAHIR.
“Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpools oldest LGBT+ charity! ! ! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won’t miss it,” they wrote. Then tragically, on Monday, fans were shocked by the news of their passing.
Police confirmed they had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death, finding ‘no suspicious circumstances’.
A friend of the drag star has since shared that they were found dead by their heartbroken dad and stepmum on Sunday and that it is believed they had died earlier that week.
“Their devastated dad raised the alarm and believed they had passed away a day or two before being found,” a source told the Sun. “James was due to move to a £400,000 house next week, and had a holiday lined up. They were planning a tour and really had everything to live for.”
The death of The Vivienne was announced by their publicist and friend, Simon Jones, who issued a statement saying: “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.”
In a subsequent post, Simon shared his pride for The Vivienne and gave a glimpse into their close relationship. He added: “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.
“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 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.”
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.