The Vivienne’s Dancing On Ice partner Colin Grafton breaks silence on death saying ‘they bought light to every room’
DANCING On Ice pro Colin Grafton has broken his silence after the death of his former ice skating partner The Vivienne, aged 32.
In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Colin shared some throwback photos of them together on the ice and shared some emotional words.
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.
He wrote: “I can’t believe I’m writing these words.
“It is with an extraordinarily heavy heart that I say goodbye to my beautiful friend and skating partner, The Vivienne.
“Viv was and is a true icon in every sense of the word, and inspired thousands of people far and wide with everything they did and accomplished.
“They truly brought light into every room they entered, and gave so many people hope where there was none. I am truly heartbroken. What we were able to accomplish together on Dancing On Ice was truly remarkable and I know your bravery and our partnership inspired many people.”
Colin continued: “I will always be so proud of what we accomplished. Viv, your spirit, strength, and kindness will always stay with me and with everyone you touched.
“I will forever cherish our time together on and off the ice, you will forever be my Mary Poppins.
“I promise to carry your memory with me in everything I do. You taught me so much about so many things, and I am eternally grateful. Your legacy lives on.”
The Vivienne took part on Dancing On Ice last year, alongside pro Colin.
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.”
The news of Williams’s death was announced by their publicist, Simon Jones, on Sunday evening.
Mr Jones 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.”