RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and musical theatre star dies aged 32

James Lee Williams, higher referred to as drag queen The Vivienne, has died aged 32.

Publicist Simon Jones stated the performer, who died over the weekend, was “an extremely liked, warm-hearted and superb individual”.

The Vivienne starred in musical theatre and TV productions, and gained the primary sequence of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.

The present paid tribute to the drag star on social media, saying they had been “deeply saddened” by the information of the performer’s dying.

Cheshire Police say there are not any suspicious circumstances surrounding the performer’s dying.

In a submit on X, RuPaul’s Drag Race stated: “She will probably be dearly missed, however her legacy will dwell on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a real champion”.

It added: “Our hearts exit to her household and followers throughout this tough time.”

The present’s choose Michelle Visage additionally referred to as the star “a beacon to so many”.

Writing on social media, Visage referred to as the information “heartbreaking”, including: “My darling The Vivienne, we return to after I began coming over right here to the UK.”

“You had been all the time there, all the time laughing, all the time giving, all the time on level.”

“Your laughter, your wit, your expertise, your drag. I liked all of it however I liked your friendship most of all.”

Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash additionally reacted to the information, writing on Instagram: “I am so sorry I am in complete shock”.

Cheryl – who used to go by Cheryl Gap – took half in the identical sequence of Drag Race as The Vivienne. The performer wrote on Instagram: “I’ll love you ceaselessly Viv.”

John Hyland, group partnerships lead at Sahir, a LGBTQ+ and HIV charity in Liverpool, additionally paid tribute. Drag followers have been donating to Sahir’s newest marketing campaign as a mark of respect for The Vivienne, who posted in regards to the enchantment simply days earlier than their dying.

John stated: “It says loads to Viv’s character that her final social submit was about our Pound for Sahir marketing campaign. She simply wished to present again.

“In case you take a look at the response tonight, I believe we will be in mourning on this metropolis for a very long time. The Vivienne was an incredible character, an incredible affect.”

Dexter Clift, higher referred to as River Medway, competed on the third sequence of Drag Race UK and went on to carry out with The Vivienne in numerous initiatives together with reveals and music movies.

They instructed the BBC: “He was the blueprint of a drag celebrity. So gifted, so humorous, so entertaining. I used to like getting a gig with Viv as a result of it meant I’d get to look at her.

“The Viv has been round doing drag for thus lengthy however I assumed we had been going to see the subsequent Paul O’Grady. I used to be satisfied The Viv was going to host Drag Race UK in the future.

“I discover it very tough to assume that that is the tip of that story.”

Williams’ ex-husband, David Ludford, paid tribute on Instagram.

He wrote: “My coronary heart actually sank after I obtained the decision! My coronary heart is shattered!”

Natasha Von Spirit, a Liverpool drag queen, stated that The Vivienne had put British drag “within the mainstream” and that they might be enjoying songs in tribute to them all through the night time.

They stated: “At any time when she was out on the scene after drag race she was simply one of many Liverpool gays.

“I will play all kinds for Viv tonight – undoubtedly Strolling in Memphis as a result of earlier than Drag Race she sung that none cease, and undoubtedly a little bit of her personal music as effectively.”

Williams was born in Wales, and adopted the drag title due to a love for sporting Vivienne Westwood clothes.

Rydal Penrhos college in Colwyn Bay, the place Williams was a former pupil, stated it was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the star’s dying.

“The Vivienne’s profitable profession as a performer and artist proved a supply of inspiration and pleasure to so many”, the varsity stated in a press release.

In addition to profitable Drag Race, The Vivienne got here third on the 2023 version of Dancing On Ice, and carried out because the Depraved Witch of the West in a UK and Eire tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical.

The performer reprised the position within the West Finish on the Gillian Lynne Theatre final yr.

The Vivienne additionally competed on an all-winners season of the RuPaul franchise within the US in 2022, and starred in BBC Three present The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020.

In an Instagram submit on Boxing Day, The Vivienne put up a sequence of photographs, captioning it: “24′ highlights.”

“What a yr it has been. This is to reaching new heights and attaining goals in 25,” the star wrote, earlier than signing off: “Viv xxx.”

Mr Jones stated phrases asserting The Vivienne’s dying had been ones he “by no means ever wished to put in writing”.

“Nobody has ever made me snicker in my life as a lot as Viv did. Their comedian genius and fast wit was like no different,” he stated.

“I am so proud and fortunate that Viv was such an enormous a part of my life on daily basis for the final 5 years.”

Mr Jones requested for privateness for the star’s household and stated no additional particulars could be launched presently.

Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth viewers, referred to as the information “deeply unhappy”, including: “We’re fiercely happy with The Vivienne’s achievements, together with profitable the primary ever sequence of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

“Proper now our ideas are with their household and associates, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many followers.”