Last month, fans of renowned drag queen The Vivienne and fellow stars of the entertainment world were left devastated by the news of their death.
As the inquest into the death of the trailblazing performer opens today on Wednesday, February 12, we remember the extraordinary impact that they had in their life, and acknowledge how they will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
On January 5, it was announced that the winner of the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK had died at the age of 32.
The news was confirmed by publicist Simon Jones, who wrote in a statement: ‘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.’
The message concluded: ‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’
At today’s inquest at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington, it was confirmed that it had been adjourned and a full inquest will take place on June 30.
Cheshire Police said that officers were called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford near Chester on 12.22pm on the Sunday, with a spokesperson telling Metro: ‘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.’
Tributes were made by stars including Ariana Grande, Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts, The Vivienne’s former Dancing On Ice partner Colin Grafton and RuPaul.
RuPaul’s tribute read: ‘With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne’, hailing the late entertainer ‘an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being’.
Williams’ ex-husband, David Ludford, paid tribute as well, writing that his heart ‘literally sank’ when he received the phone call informing him of the news.
Ludford, a wig hairstylist, said Williams ‘changed [his] life so much’ from the day they first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria. They married in 2019 before their amicable separation four years later.
‘We literally clicked straight away and we knew we (were) going to be together for along time,’ Ludford wrote.
‘He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone. 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!’
Ludford added that they had ‘loved each other so much’ and hailed Williams as ‘the biggest part’ of his life for a long time.
He concluded: ‘6 years is such a long time to spend 24/7 with you will always always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know sleep tight angel.’
In 2023, The Vivienne became the first drag queen to ever take part in Dancing On Ice, reaching the final and finishing in third place.
Taking to Instagram, Colin admitted his words were written with an ‘extraordinarily heavy heart’.
‘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,’ he wrote. ‘They truly brought light into every room they entered, and gave so many people hope where there was none. I am truly heartbroken,’ he added.
Colin continued to say: ‘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.’
Grande also shared her own tribute to the star via social media, posting a picture of The Vivienne, who was given the name owing to their love of Vivienne Westwood clothing, along with three hearts.
Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse remembered Williams, who will be receiving a posthumous award at the Metro Pride Awards, for being a ‘phenomenal entertainer’ and ‘trailblazer’.
Mabuse said ‘some news hits you harder than others and stops you in your tracks’ after the news of Williams’ death was announced
‘I absolutely loved the Viv,’ the former Strictly Come Dancing star wrote alongside a picture of the pair on Instagram.
‘A beautiful human being, funny, kind, a trailblazer, creative and so warm.
‘You were such an asset on Dancing On Ice, one of the greatest on Drag Race and just a phenomenal entertainer on screen and theatre.’
Williams previously said making it to the semi-final of the ice skating competition meant a lot, ‘especially at a time when drag is under attack.’
The star performed in the same year as former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer, who said she was ‘lost for words’ and ‘deeply saddened’ in a tribute.
‘You were so beautiful inside and out and I will never forget our experiences we shared during Dancing On Ice,’ she wrote.
‘We really loved it all didn’t we. I got to meet your beautiful family and we laughed a lot.
‘I got to watch you transform your face in your very glam dressing room mirror and we cried with it all too.
‘You became an outstanding skater and so elegant too. We were all there for each other and we all love you.’
Palmer shared pictures of the star ‘in the thick of it’ while backstage at the competition, helping fellow contestant Michelle Heaton get ready for the show.
Former Liberty X singer Heaton also shared a series of pictures with Williams from the show, captioning it ‘heartbroken.’
Screenwriter Russell T Davies wrote that, after meeting a couple of times, he found Williams to be ‘absolutely delightful.’
‘And what a talent!’, he declared. ‘On the cusp of graduating to West End stardom. What a world. Night, darling.’
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage described the performer as ‘a beacon to so many’.
Alongside pictures of them together, Visage said she was ‘heartbroken’ and lost for words.
‘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.’
Rylan Clark wrote on X: ‘The news about The Vivienne is so sad. What an amazing performer. Such a loss. Rest in peace gorgeous xxx’
Drag Race UK star Danny Beard wrote on Instagram that there is now ‘a piece missing’ following Williams’ death.
‘Viv was a proper entertainer, she made people she didn’t know feel like they were seen. I’ve always admired that in her. She connected with people and that’s something you can’t buy,’ they wrote in part of their message.
Jinkx Monsoon, who won the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013, said: ‘I don’t entirely have words. She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages.’
They added on X: ‘It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv.’
Following the announcement of Williams’ death, publicist Jones wrote in a further statement: ‘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 in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.’
He continued: ‘I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 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.’
In his caption, Jones also wrote: ‘Goodbye my beautiful friend 💔.’
In 2015, The Vivienne took part in a one-day event judged by RuPaul, Katie Price and Jonathan Ross, where they were crowned the UK Drag Ambassador for RuPaul’s Drag Race.
They later competed and won the first UK series of the reality show in 2019 and before competing again in the all-stars edition in 2022.
Williams also ventured into theatre, starring as The Wicked Witch of the West in 2011’s The Wizard of Oz, a role they later reprised in the West End.
Additionally, The Vivienne showcased their incredible musical talents via their debut EP, B**ch on Heels, which was released in 2022.
Their other TV credits include Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted in 2022 in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.
On Boxing Day, they appeared in the festive special of TV gameshow Blankety Blank.
The drag performer was born and raised in North Wales and moved to Liverpool at 16.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
