Drag Race UK winner, The Vivienne has died aged 32

We are shocked and saddened to hear the news that James Lee Williams, otherwise known as The Vivienne has died aged 32.

James Lee Williams who found fame as drag artist, The Vivienne has died at the age of 32.

The Vivienne was no stranger to The Guide Liverpool, appearing multiple times since 2016. Watch some of our favourite appearances in our tribute video above.

In a statement on Instagram a spokesperson for Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK said:

“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. 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.”

UK Drag Race judge and mentor Michelle Visage replied saying:

“I don’t have the words, I’m utterly heartbroken”.

The Vivienne was a regular in Liverpool, having grown up in North Wales and becoming a regular drag performer on the city’s gay scene. We had spoken to them a number of times over the years here on The Guide Liverpool, most recently on stage at Liverpool Empire.

The Vivienne won the first season of Drag Race UK in 2019 and has since become a star of stage and screen, performing in shows like The Wizard of Oz at Liverpool Empire in 2023, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and ITV’s Dancing On Ice.

Our thoughts are with all of James’s friends and family this evening.

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