The Vivienne’s ex-husband David Ludford put on a brave face as he was seen for the first time since the Drag Race UK star’s shock death aged 32 earlier this month.
David, 34, was married to the entertainer from 2019 until 2023, and paid tribute following the devastating news, stepped out in Manchester on Saturday evening.
He cut a stylish figure in a sheer DIOR shirt top and black trousers which he teamed with chunky boots and silver jewellery.
David was joined his first public outing to the city’s BLVD Bar alongside pal and MAFS UK star Holly Ditchfield.
David and his ex The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, both shared a love of drag, as he owns a company which makes wigs for performers, named Drag Helmet.
The performer rose to prominence on the first series of the UK version of Ru Paul’s Drag Race in 2019 and went on to make numerous TV appearances in the years that followed, including competing on Dancing On Ice.
The Vivienne ‘s ex-husband David Ludford, 34, put on a brave face as he was seen for the first time since the Drag Race UK star’s shock death aged 32 earlier this month
David (R) was married to the entertainer (L) from 2019 until 2023, and paid tribute following the devastating news, stepped out in Manchester on Saturday evening
But just weeks after coming third on the skating show in 2023, The Vivienne went through a major life change when they separated from husband David.
The pair sparked their romance in 2017 before tying the knot in 2019 in a lavish flower-filled ceremony at G-A-Y’s Heaven nightclub in London – and were the first couple to tie the knot at the the venue after it was granted permission to host weddings that same year.
But after nearly six years together, the pair went their separate ways in 2023 as they said ‘life got in the way’ of their relationship.
Following the tragic news of The Vivienne’s death David shared a photo of the former couple together on Instagram and wrote: ‘My heart literally sank when I got the call! My heart is shattered! Never in a million years did I think I’d ever be writing anything like this about’.
‘This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria!!’.
‘We literally clicked straight away and we knew we was going to be together for along time!! He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone.
‘We literally went through and did so much together it was like a whirlwind and I wouldn’t have changed the time we spent together for anything In The world!!!
‘I feel like a tit feeling this upset and hurt because we have been fully divorced for just over a year now but we was together 6 year and we loved each other so much and you can’t take away.
David was joined his first public outing to the city’s BLVD Bar alongside pal and MAFS UK star Holly Ditchfield
The pair sparked their romance in 2017 before tying the knot in 2019 in a lavish flower-filled ceremony at G-A-Y’s Heaven nightclub in London
But after nearly six years together, the pair went their separate ways in 2023 as they said ‘life got in the way’ of their relationship
And the news of The Vivienne’s passing ‘sank David’s heart’ as he issued an emotional tribute to Instagram on Sunday
‘I’m so happy to say I not only met you but we was together, we was husbands and you was the biggest part of my left for such a long time! 6 years is such a long time to spend 24/7 with you will always always have a place in my heart.’
‘Going to miss you more than people will ever know sleep tight angel.’
News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced across social media – with tributes pouring in for the star. A cause is yet to be established.
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.
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‘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.’
Last week Baga Chipz called for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK to be scrapped and replaced with ‘re-runs of The Vivienne’ to honour the late star.
The drag queen, 35, starred in the first season of the BBC reality competition alongside The Vivienne in 2019, and said she thinks the best way to pay tribute to the series one winner is to just air clips of them going forwards.
Last week Baga Chipz (L) called for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK to be scrapped and replaced with ‘re-runs of The Vivienne’ (R) to honour the late star (pictured 2022)
She said she thinks the best way to pay tribute to the series one winner is to just air clips of them going forwards (pictured 2020)
Speaking to BANG Showbiz at RuPaul’s DragCon UK at ExCel London, Baga said: ‘I think we should not have any more drag queens on Drag Race [UK] anymore and just have re-runs of The Vivienne.
‘That would be so much better. We should just watch that.’
The Ackley Bridge star – whose real name is Leo Loren – developed a close bond with The Vivienne, and they will always be her favourite, calling them ‘so fabulous’.
‘Some people have the look or they have the charisma and all that and the talent. I would say I’m quite charismatic, and I’m quite comedic and all that, and I’ve got that side – but she had it all.
‘She – because she was tall and statuesque and looked so gorgeous – people would be like, “Oh, she’s a bit intimidating,” but then she would open her gob, and she would do anything for anyone.
‘On Drag Race we always sat next to each other and did our makeup, and we’d always have a fag together. You meet people in life, and you just gel.
‘I was very lucky on my season because we all got on, but Viv and I were just a bit more – you have your favourites, don’t you?’