The Vivienne, the celebrated Drag Race UK winner who tragically passed away at 32, will be featured posthumously in a new ITV series.
The star’s final TV appearance, on show ‘G’wed’, comes after an outpouring of tributes and a vigil held in Liverpool, where family friend Bobby Musker delivered a heartfelt statement from the family: “As a family we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne.”
He continued, “From an early age it was evident they were destined for the stage… they were determined to pave his own way in this world. The road was not easy but the dream never, ever changed and James would always tell us that they would make it happen and they did. We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will all love you.”
The upcoming series ‘G’wed’ follows a group of young Liverpudlians tackling life’s hurdles. The Vivienne features in the premiere episode as a nightclub owner who spots Ted’s talent and offers him a gig hosting their drag night reports the Mirror.
Filmed last summer, the show’s creators have confirmed that the episode will serve as a tribute to The Vivienne, with the family’s consent for its broadcast.
Mario Stylianides, the executive producer of the show, expressed his sorrow over the passing of The Vivienne, stating: “All the cast and crew were so saddened by the passing of The Vivienne and the first episode will now be dedicated to them.”
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He added: “The Vivienne was a trailblazing icon and we were truly honoured when we found out they were a fan of G’wed and equally excited when they agreed to appear in the first episode. They will always be in our hearts and forever part of the G’wed family.”
The sad news of The Vivienne’s death was announced earlier this year with a heartfelt statement on social media. It read: “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.”
RuPaul also paid tribute to The Vivienne, saying: “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne-an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.”
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