Police share update following tragic death of RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne
Cheshire police have released a statement following the heartbreaking death of RuPaul's Drag Race UK star The Vivienne.
Yesterday (5 January) it was confirmed that the talented drag artist - real name James Lee Williams - had passed away aged 32, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow celebrities.
In a statement confirming the heartbreaking news, Simon Jones PR - the star's longtime publicist - wrote: "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.
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"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 follow-up post captioned 'goodbye my beautiful friend', Jones wrote: "No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much 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 every day for the last five years."
He continued: "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."
Today (6 January), a spokesperson for Cheshire Police confirmed they were called to a house in Chorlton-by-Backford near Chester at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.
"Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner," the statement continued.
The star rose to fame after becoming the first ever winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, carving out a huge fanbase and going on to make several more TV appearances.
The Vivienne's death has sent shockwaves through the drag industry as tributes flood in, with RuPaul's Drag Race host Michelle Visage saying she is 'utterly heartbroken'.
"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," she continued. "I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high."
Meanwhile, Shea Couleé, who won the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, said she was in 'complete and utter shock' over the 'devastating' news.
Remembering The Vivienne
Let's take a look back at The Vivienne's incredible life...
Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK
Having adopted their drag name after discovering a love for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing, the star took home the Drag Race crown back in 2019, making the star the first winner of the UK version of the hit show.
As a contestant on the show, the performer - who was born and raised in North Wales but moved to Liverpool at 16 - described their style as 'a Scouse wife who has come into money, she moved to LA and blew it all and then she's had to move back to Liverpool'.
Nothing short of iconic.
The first drag queen to appear on Dancing on Ice
The Vivienne made history as the first ever drag star to appear on the ITV show in 2023, where they were partnered with American ice skater Colin Grafton and skated their way to third place just behind gymnast Nile Wilson and Joey Essex.
Their week five performance was particularly stand-out, as James made the decision not to perform in drag for the first time. They danced to Beyoncé's 'Halo', with the performance branded 'inspiring' to many.
West End debut
The Vivienne took on the infamous role of the Wicked Witch of the West in the The Wizard of Oz musical when it returned for its UK tour.
Speaking about entering the world of West End, The Vivienne previously told InCommon: “It’s probably been the best experience of my life so far.
“Just the rehearsal process alone was wonderful - being surrounded by the most amazing, talented and creative people, and for them to welcome me with open arms and actually enjoy what I’m doing with the role.
“I feel very blessed and I keep feeling like I’m the one that’s ended up in Oz and that I’m going to wake up in Kansas once more and realise it was all a dream.”
TV appearances
The star appeared in a range of shows following their success on Drag Race, including Hunted, Emmerdale and the Great British Sowing Bee.
They also appeared on the celebrity special of Blankety Blank.
Topics: Rupauls Drag Race, Celebrity, The Vivienne
Chloe Jackson