Stars of RuPaul's Drag Race and the wider entertainment world have been paying tribute to The Vivienne, who was discovered dead over the weekend.
The winner of the first UK series - birth name James Lee Williams - died at a property in Chester, aged just 32, their long-time publicist Simon Jones announced on social media
"It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend," he wrote. "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."
In a separate message, 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."
RuPaul led reactionary tributes, writing: "With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne—an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being."
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage wrote: "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."
Colin Grafton, The Vivienne's professional partner from Dancing On Ice 2023, said: "I can't believe I'm writing these words. It is with an extraordinarily heavy heart that I say goodbye to my beautiful friend and skating partner, The Vivienne.
"Viv was and is a true icon in every sense of the word, and inspired thousands of people far and wide with everything they did and accomplished."
ITV is expected to pay a special tribute to The Vivienne when Dancing On Ice returns to screens this weekend.
Neil Wilkes
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