The RuPaul’s Drag Race winner died at the age of 32
Kerry Katona has shared her ‘shock and devastation’ at the death of her friend, The Vivienne(Image: BANG Showbiz)
Kerry Katona has expressed her grief over the death of The Vivienne. The RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died on January 5 at the age of 32.
Writing in her OK! Magazine column, Kerry paid tribute to her friend, saying: “I was completely shocked and devastated to hear the news of drag queen James Lee Williams’ death. James, also known as The Vivienne, was a really good friend of mine and I just can’t believe it.
“James was one of the most talented, generous, funniest and down to earth people I’ve had the pleasure of having as a friend. They were so young and had a career which was taking off, I’m in complete shock.”
The former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! winner said The Vivienne stayed with her during filming of Celebrity Hunted. She said: “They stayed at our house during Celebrity Hunted – I remember hiding them which was so fun, we had a lot of good times together. I actually texted them on Christmas morning and never heard back, which is so sad. Rest In Peace.”
The Vivienne was originally from Colwyn Bay but made their name in Liverpool’s Pride Quarter. They lived in the city until a number of years ago when they moved to Cheshire, following a split from their ex-husband.
Yesterday, a vigil was held in the city centre for the former ‘Dancing on Ice’ contestant, who had also become a star of musical theatre after winning Drag Race UK. Hundreds gathered at St George’s Plateau to pay tribute to the star, with fans and people close to The Vivienne in attendance.
Friends shared heartfelt letters, tributes and anecdotes of The Vivienne including music that was personal to their relationship. Balloons were released into the air while ‘For Good’ from the Broadway musical Wicked played through speakers throughout the plateau.
Hundreds of people gathered outside St George’s Hall on Sunday night to honour The Vivienne(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
While details surrounding James’ cause of death have yet to be disclosed, police have confirmed there were “no suspicious circumstances.” The Vivienne’s death was confirmed by her publicist, Simon Jones, in a heartbreaking statement reading: “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.” In a separate post, Simon added: “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.”