Inside The Vivienne’s incredible career from Drag Race win and Dancing on Ice drama to surprise soap cameo
THE Vivienne was bound for stardom with their incredible talents and quickly gained a huge following after Drag Race.
James Lee Williams – who was behind the incredible drag queen – has left fans shocked following their shock passing aged 32.
The sad news of “sweetest soul” James Lee Williams’ death was confirmed on Sunday evening by publicist Simon Jones on social media.
Before shooting to fame, James 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 Vivienne gained huge popularity when they appeared on the very first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.
After scooping the crown and wowing RuPaul, The Vivienne went on to appear in a number of prime time shows.
In 2022, ITV bosses announced The Vivienne as part of their 2023 lineup for Dancing On Ice.
However, having made it to the semi-final, the star suffered a major fall live on TV.
During an opening number, The Vivienne lost their balance and took a brutal tumble during the solo segment.
Ever the professional, they kept the show on the road, and later said of the blunder: “My knees are hurting a little bit, but no I’m fine. We are dancing on ice, things happen.”
In 2021, The Vivienne appeared on The Weakest Link and Apocalypse Wow after impressing on The Great British Sewing Bee.
There was even an impressive soap cameo in Emmerdale, which left fans delighted.
Airing in June, the star featured in the long-running programme as part of Emmerdale’s first ever Pride.
Speaking about being signed up by soap bosses, The Vivienne had said: “I’ve got one of my leopard print dresses to thank for getting the chance to appear in Emmerdale!
“I woke up one morning and Lisa Riley (Mandy Dingle) was all over Lorraine as it was Mandy’s wedding and her dress was inspired by one of mine. A couple of weeks later I got a call from the show…
“I’m an all round soap fan, Emmerdale, Corrie the lot. I don’t get the time to watch the soaps as much as I used to but I’m definitely a fan and I’ve got some very jealous friends due to the fact I am here today.”
They added: “It’s not only an honour to be here it’s amazing to be making history by being in Emmerdale’s first Pride event making sure the LGBTQ+ community have a voice in soaps.
“There are already LGBTQ+ characters in soaps but bringing Pride into the people’s living rooms that may not normally attend one is brilliant. Well done Emmerdale and ITV.”
In recent times The Vivienne made their West End debut, playing the legendary Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz.
The production toured the country last year after leaving its residency at the London Palladium.
It’s not only an honour to be here it’s amazing to be making history by being in Emmerdale’s first Pride event making sure the LGBTQ+ community have a voice in soaps
The Vivienne
Announcing The Vivienne’s death at 32, their friend and agent Simon Jones 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.”