Huge stars including Ariana Grande have paid tribute to RuPaul’s Drag Race’s The Vivienne after her death aged 32.
James Lee Williams, who won the first series of the BBC show and placed third on skating competition Dancing On Ice in 2023, died at the weekend.
On her Instagram Stories, Grande shared a picture of The Vivienne, who was given the name owing to her love of Vivienne Westwood clothing, along with three hearts.
Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse also remembered Metro Pride award nominee The Vivienne for being a ‘phenomenal entertainer’ and ‘trailblazer’.
Oti said ‘some news hits you harder than others and stops you in your tracks’ after news of the death was announced on Sunday evening.
‘I absolutely loved the viv,’ the former Strictly Come Dancing star wrote alongside a picture of the pair on Instagram.
‘A beautiful human being, funny, kind, a trailblazer, creative and so warm.
‘You were such an asset on Dancing On Ice, one of the greatest on Drag Race and just a phenomenal entertainer on screen and theatre.’
The Vivienne, who performed alongside professional skating star Colin Grafton, said making it to the semi-final of the ITV competition meant a lot ‘especially at a time when drag is under attack.’
She performed in the same year as former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer, who said she was ‘lost for words’ and ‘deeply saddened’ in a tribute.
‘You were so beautiful inside and out and I will never forget our experiences we shared during Dancing On Ice,’ she wrote.
‘We really loved it all didn’t we. I got to meet your beautiful family and we laughed a lot.
‘I got to watch you transform your face in your very glam dressing room mirror and we cried with it all too.
‘You became an outstanding skater and so elegant too. We were all there for each other and we all love you.’
Patsy shared pictures of the star ‘in the thick of it’ while backstage at the competition, helping fellow contestant Michelle Heaton get ready for the show.
Former Liberty X singer Heaton also shared a series of pictures with The Vivienne from the show, captioning it ‘heartbroken.’
Screenwriter Russell T Davies also wrote that, after meeting a couple of times, he found Williams to be ‘absolutely delightful.’
‘And what a talent!’, he declared. ‘On the cusp of graduating to West End stardom. What a world. Night, darling.’
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage described the performer as ‘a beacon to so many’.
Alongside pictures of them together, Michelle said she is ‘heartbroken’ and lost for words.
‘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.’
Taking to X, Rylan Clark wrote: ‘The news about The Vivienne is so sad. What an amazing performer. Such a loss. Rest in peace gorgeous xxx’
Danny Beard wrote on Instagram that there is now ‘a piece missing’ following Williams’ death.
‘Viv was a proper entertainer, she made people she didn’t know feel like they were seen. I’ve always admired that in her. She connected with people and that’s something you can’t buy,’ they wrote in part of their message.
Jinkx Monsoon, who won the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013, said: ‘I don’t entirely have words. She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages.’
They added on X: ‘It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv.’
Publicist Simon Jones confirmed the sad news of The Vivienne’s death via Instagram on Sunday.
He wrote: ‘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.’
The message concluded: ‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’
The Vivienne initially rose to prominence in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
She later competed and won the first UK series of the reality show in 2019 and competed again in the seventh series, which was an All-Stars edition in 2022.
The star also ventured into theatre, starring as The Wicked Witch of the West in 2011’s The Wizard of Oz, a role they later reprised in the West End.
Additionally, The Vivienne showcased their incredible musical talents via their debut EP, B**ch on Heels (2022).
Her other TV credits include Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted in 2022 in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.
The Vivienne last appeared on screens just days ago, starring in the festive special of Blankety Blank on Boxing Day.
She was born and raised in North Wales and moved to Liverpool at 16.
The performer married David Ludford in 2019, but they announced their separation in April 2023.
Ariana Grande leads tributes to ‘phenomenal’ RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne
