RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne has died aged 32
Former RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne has passed away aged 32, their publicist has announced.
In a statement confirming the news, Simon Jones PR wrote: "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.
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"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 follow-up post captioned 'goodbye my beautiful friend', Jones wrote: "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 five years.”
He continued: "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.”
The Vivienne - who chose their drag name due to their love for Vivienne Westwood - took home the first-ever RuPaul's Drag Race UK crown after lip-syncing to Wham's 'I'm Your Man', going on to feature in the All Stars Winners season across the pond three years later.
The talented drag artist also featured on Dancing on Ice, where they skated their way to third place, and had recently made their West End debut in The Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West as well as the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
They had been due to reprise their role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang next year.
Speaking about entering the world of West End, The Vivienne previously told InCommon: “It’s probably been the best experience of my life so far.
“Just the rehearsal process alone was wonderful – being surrounded by the most amazing, talented and creative people, and for them to welcome me with open arms and actually enjoy what I’m doing with the role.
“I feel very blessed and I keep feeling like I’m the one that’s ended up in Oz and that I’m going to wake up in Kansas once more and realise it was all a dream.”
Tributes have begun to pour in for the star, with RuPaul's Drag Race host Michelle Visage saying she is 'utterly heartbroken'.
"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," she continued.
"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."
Meanwhile, fellow RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash said: "I'm so sorry. I'm in total shock."
Shea Coulee, who won the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, said she was in 'complete and utter shock' over the 'devastating' news.
Topics: Celebrity, Rupaul, The Vivienne
Chloe Jackson