Tributes have been paid to North Wales-born drag artist James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, who has died, aged 32.
Williams, from Colwyn Bay, won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and came third in Dancing On Ice in 2023. Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton called them a “real joy” and RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said she was “utterly heartbroken”.
Their public relations executive Simon Jones posted on Instagram: “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. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now – here’s how to sign up
The Vivienne arrives for the special screening of The Nan at the Ham Yard Hotel, Soho, central London in March 2022
(Image: Suzan Moore/PA Wire)
“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.”
Williams adopted the drag name as they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing. 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.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash was also among those posting messages on the official announcement, writing in an Instagram comment: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”.
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton said the news of the death of James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, was “unbelievably sad”.
In a post on X, Cotton said: “This is so unbelievably sad. James was a real joy to be around. We loved him x.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said she was “utterly heartbroken” at the news of The Vivienne’s death.
Commenting on the announcement on social media, Visage wrote: “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.”