Drag Race star The Vivienne dies aged 32
They rose to fame winning the first series of the UK show back in 2019
Last updated 5th Jan 2025
Drag Race UK star The Vivienne has died at the age of 32.
Born in Colwyn Bay before moving to Liverpool as a teenager, The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, rose to prominence after winning the first season of the BBC show in 2019.
Since then, The Vivienne has regularly appeared on television, finishing third on Dancing on Ice in 2023 and participating in Channel 4’s Stand Up to Cancer in 2022.
More recently, Williams graced the stage, playing the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, having previously portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz musical.
In a post on Instagram publicist Simon Jones wrote:
"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.