TRAGIC LOSS
Graham Norton & Ashley Roberts lead tributes to drag queen ‘The Vivienne’ as showbiz world rocked by tragic death age 32
Celebrities have shared touching tributes
GRAHAM Norton and Ashley Roberts have lead tributes to drag queen The Vivienne as the showbiz world is rocked by their tragic death.
James Lee Williams - who went by stage name The Vivienne - tragically died aged 32, their publicist Simon Jones announced on social media.
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Celebs are now paying tribute to the star who won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019.
Graham Norton simply said "Heartbreaking" and shared a broken heart emoji.
Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts said: “Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news.
"The world lost an angel. Rest in peace."
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Recording artist and actress Ariana Grande shared love hearts on her Instgram stories and a picture of The Vivienne.
Love island star Amber Davies said she was "Just in complete disbelief.
"The most supportive and wonderful soul. RIP our Viv we all love you so so much."
English singer Perrie Edwards posted heart and sticking plaster emojis.
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Drag Race UK vs The World winner Tia Kofi wrote: "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."
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Sheridan Smith added: "Oh my god! No! So sorry Simon."
Drag race judge Michelle Visage shared snaps with her and The Vivienne on Instagram saying "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.
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"I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling.
"RIP MY ANGEL fly high."
Williams' ex-husband David Lufton also shared his heartbreak after the pair were together for six years.
Lufton said: "My heart literally sank when I got the call.
"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."
Rylan Clark shared a post on X saying: "The news about The Vivienne is so sad. What an amazing performer. Such a loss. Rest in peace gorgeous xxx."
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Ru Paul's Drag Race shared its own tribute saying: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne.
"Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration.
"She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion.
"Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time."
Following his announcement, PR Simon Jones paid his own tribute.
He 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.”
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"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."
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Born and raised in North Wales, Williams moved to Liverpool at 16 years old and flourished in the drag scene where they took on a name inspired fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.
The drag performer was only seen on Blankety Blank - previously hosted by drag legend Lily Savage - days ago on the Christmas special.
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