The Vivienne appeared on screens just days before their death (Image: BBC)
The entertainment world is in mourning following the sudden passing of Drag Race icon The Vivienne, known offstage as James Lee Williams, who died at the age of 32.
The devastating announcement was made on Sunday night, with a spokesperson for The Vivienne revealing the sad news on social media and noting that the family is currently taking time to come to terms with their loss.
In a poignant twist, The Vivienne graced television screens just days before their untimely death, featuring in a celebrity episode of ‘s Blankety Blank. They joined stars such as Oti Mabuse, Jonathan Ross, Joel Dommett, and the multi-talented Jane McDonald.
Host Bradley Walsh and the studio audience were treated to The Vivienne’s humour as they shared a Christmas anecdote, saying: “Christmas is too long. You get up, you start drinking at 8am, well I do. I want to be bladdered by the time I’m cooking, if it goes wrong, you can say ‘Sorry, I’m bladdered,” which had Jane McDonald trying hard to stifle her laughter.
Originally from North Wales and relocating to Liverpool at 16, The Vivienne was a seasoned performer, captivating audiences with spot-on impressions of political figures like and Margaret Thatcher, and enchanting theatre-goers as the Wicked Witch of the West in a production of The Wizard of Oz.
The entertainment world is in mourning following the sudden death of The Vivienne. In a touching tribute, spokesperson Simon stated: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend”, reports .
:
The Vivienne was a contestant on Dancing on Ice (Image: Getty)
“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.”
Don’t miss…
TV personality Michelle Visage also joined in paying respects, sharing fond moments with The Vivienne. Emotionally affected by the news, she wrote on her platform: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel. 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.”
The star was last seen recently on Blankety Blank just days ago (Image: Getty)
“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.
“I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”