Former Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne has died, friends confirmed on Sunday.
The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, won the first series of the UK version of the drag contest in 2019, before returning for the US All Stars Winners season in 2022.
News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced across social media. A cause is yet to be established.
Tributes poured in for the star, who was born in Wales, including from their ex-husband David Lufton, as well as Drag Race judge Michelle Visage and co-star Tia Kofi as they shared their heartbreak at their passing.
Confirming the news on Instagram, The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones 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, warmhearted 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.’
He continued: ‘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 as much in my life 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 everyday for the last five 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.’
The Vivienne received the name as they were known for wearing designer Vivienne Westwood and was later one of the ten contestants selected to compete on the first series of Drag Race when it travelled across the pond.
Following their win, The Vivienne went on to host an online chat show where celebrities joined her to chat about series’ of the show, before they ventured in musical theatre. Recently, the performer hosted a Christmas party show on BBC Radio Wales.
Tributes poured in for the star, with Drag Race UK vs The World winner Tia Kofi writing: ‘This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world. Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally.
‘She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv.’
Meanwhile Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared snaps of her and The Vivienne together on Instagram with the caption: ‘Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel.
‘My darling @thevivienne_ 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.’
‘The news about The Vivienne is so sad,’ Rylan wrote on X, formerly Twitter. ‘What an amazing performer. Such a loss. Rest in peace gorgeous xxx.’
Their ex-husband David Lufton, who the star was with for six years before they divorced in 2023, shared his heartbreak.
‘My heart literally sank when I got the call,’ he wrote. ‘Never in a million years did I ever think I’d be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams. This man changed my life so much from the day we first me in August 2017 in Gran Canaria!!
‘We literally clicked right away and we knew we was going to be together for a long time!! He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone.’
The Vivienne’s series one co-stars paid tribute to the stay, with Blu Hydrangea writing: ‘Truly heartbroken to hear about the loss of a dear friend and sister.’
‘I will love you forever Viv,’ Cheryl said, and Crystal added: ‘I can’t believe this.’
The star went on to appear on the All Winners series of the US version, and co-star Trinity The Tuck shared: ‘I am devastated.’
‘I’m in complete and utter shock. This is so devastating,’ said Shea Coulee.
The Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts commented under Michelle’s post: ‘Can’t believe this. Heartbreaking news. What an icon. May the Viv rest in peace.’ Her band member Kimberley Wyatt added: ‘Heartbroken. I’m in complete shock. I’m so sorry.’
Coronation Street star Lisa Riley shared her tribute to The Vivienne, as she wrote: ‘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.’
West End and Big Brother star Marisha Wallace said: ‘I’m in total shock I just spoke to Viv last week. What in the world. Let’s pray for the family. So sad.’
British comedian Jayde Adams added: ‘I’m completely undone by this news. The Vivienne’s light was unmatched, and her impact will be felt forever. Simon, my love, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss and her family. Holding you in my thoughts and sending all my love. ❤️’
Just days before their death, The Vivienne shared a heartbreaking Instagram post where they hoped to achieve new dreams in 2025.
Sharing a collection of snaps from the year gone, they wrote: ‘Some 24’ highlights. What a year it’s been. Here’s to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in 25.
‘Wishing all the most prosperous new year. You got this Viv xxxx.’
Last year they made history as they became the first drag queen to perform on Dancing On Ice, with viewers branding her a ‘superstar’.
The Vivienne and her pro partner Colin Grafton were thrilled as they scored a total of 28.5 out of 40, with Ashley, Oti and Jayne scoring her 7, while Chris gave a 7.5.
Oti praised The Vivienne’s first performance: ‘If you are going to make history, this is how you make history congratulations!’
The drag artist’s shock death came just days after they said when they meet strangers they hope they ‘love gay people’ as they spoke in a victim impact statement.
The comments came after magistrates last month ruled a one-punch attack by scaffolder Alan Whitfield on The Vivienne was a hate crime.
The Vivienne, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and came third in last year’s Dancing On Ice, was targeted at the restaurant in Edge Lane on June 16 last year.
They were subjected to a ‘barrage of abuse’ from the defendant who then struck him to the left side of the face with a ‘heavy blow’.
Their face was bruised and hurt for a week but The Vivienne said ‘luckily’ they were a 6ft ex-rugby player who could take a punch, Liverpool Magistrates’ Court was told.
In a victim personal statement read to the court on Wednesday, The Vivienne said: ‘As a proud gay man, I have never hidden who I am or edited myself.
‘It shames me to say at the age of 31, I am now a lot more conscious that I could be attacked at any moment simply for living my life.
‘This has caused me stress, anguish and ongoing trauma.’