The Vivienne’s ex-husband posts heartbreaking tribute after Drag Race star’s death
THE Vivienne’s ex-husband has posted a heartbreaking tribute, after the Drag Race star’s death.
James Lee Williams, who won the first series of RuPaul‘s Drag Race UK and placed third on skating competition Dancing On Ice in 2023, died at the weekend aged 32.
The news of Williams’s death was announced by their publicist, Simon Jones, on Sunday evening.
David Ludford, The Vivienne’s ex, took to social media to share a series of photos of them together.
David wrote: “My heart literally sank when I got the call. Never in a million years did I ever think I’d ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams.
“This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria! ! We literally clicked straight away and we knew we was going to be together for along time! ! He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone.”
They added: “We literally went through and did so much together it was like a whirlwind and I wouldn’t have changed the time we spent together for anything In The world! ! ! I feel like a tit feeling this upset and hurt because we have been fully divorced for just over a year now but we was togteher 6 year and we loved each other so much and you can’t take away.
“I’m so happy to say I not only met you but we was together, we was husbands and you was the biggest part of my life for such a long time. 6 years is such a long time to spend 24/7 with.”
David finished by writing: “You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel.”
A spokesman for Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.
The spokesman said: “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.”
Mr Jones, The Vivienne’s manager, wrote that Williams, who was born in Wales and later moved to Liverpool, was an “incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person”.
He added that Williams would be remembered for their “immense talent” and “the light they brought to every room was astonishing”.
Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse remembered The Vivienne for being a “phenomenal entertainer” and “trailblazer”.
Fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon said the star made a “mark in our hearts”.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage paid tribute to Williams, writing that their death was “heartbreaking”.
Alongside pictures of them together, Visage wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Williams performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.
They were due to be back on tour next month performing in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical in the role of the Childcatcher.