Police issue major update on The Vivienne’s sudden death aged 32

Police have issued an update following .

The first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died last week aged 32.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.

The spokesman said: “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.”

The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones confirmed the tragic news in a statement on , penning: “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, warmhearted 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.”

The Vivienne RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars

The Vivienne sadly passed away aged 32 (Image: Getty Images for VH1/Paramount )

James Lee Williams 'The Vivienne' death

The Vivienne competed on Dancing on Ice in 2023 (Image: PA)

He continued: “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 as much in my life as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.

“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life everyday for the last five 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.

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“I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”

Williams shot to fame after winning Drag Race in 2019, appearing on hit shows such as Dancing on Ice, and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

They also performed Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Irelands tour of The Wizard of Oz musical and .

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