The Vivienne has died at the age of 32 (Image: WireImage)
The entertainment industry was left in shock following , star of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, at the tender age of 32.
In light of their passing, poignant past remarks have emerged where The Vivienne disclosed a stark warning they once received about their drug use, saying they were told they’d be “dead by 30” if they didn’t quit.
While the cause of death remains unknown and there is no indication of a relapse, police have confirmed that there are “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the tragedy.
James Lee Williams, known to many as The Vivienne, made history as the first drag queen to grace the ice on Dancing On Ice, securing third place in the 2023 series.
Their career also included a solo series, The Vivienne Takes on , and an appearance on the ITV soap .
The Vivienne leaves behind grieving loved ones, including ex-partner David Ludford, who they credited with aiding them in overcoming a ketamine addiction that had led to multiple hospitalisations.
In a candid interview with The Gay Times, The Vivienne reflected on their journey and the pivotal moment that nearly derailed their career. They shared: “When people say, ‘You’ve got to hit rock bottom to get further,’ it sounds so stupid but it’s the truth,” adding, “I had to be kicked out of my house and told that I would be dead by the time I was 30”, reports .
The Vivienne had previously described their drug addiction. There is no suggestion that they relapsed (Image: Getty Images)
“It was the loneliest part of my life, I was killing myself and my family don’t even know. I was p**sing my life up the wall and I could’ve been dead now if I didn’t do anything about it.”
Previously, they had candidly shared with The Mirror about their dependency on ketamine, saying it was their “breakfast, lunch and dinner”.
They elaborated, “I could have three bags of it just putting my face on. I did it on and off for four years. I was getting evicted from apartments, I had no money. It was party drugs – but I couldn’t leave the drugs at the party. I’d been in hospital three times in a month, so I knew I needed help.”
They eventually managed to break free from their addiction by 2017, stating it was a “do or die” situation. Their choice to quit “cold turkey” and move to Gran Canaria was pivotal, marking the beginning of a new chapter where they met David.
This partner played a significant role in helping them stay drug-free. Together, they made history as the first couple to get married at the iconic London gay club, Heaven, back in December 2019.
Following the tragic passing, David expressed his profound loss, remembering James as someone who taught him true love. He said: “You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel.”