fans were left disappointed by the skating competition’s tribute to the late drag queen The Vivienne during the launch of the new series.
On Sunday (January 12), the beloved figure skating show returned to the airwaves with 12 new contestants ready to battle it out to steal the crown for 2025.
But at the start of the glamorous show, , 43, paid tribute to the 2023 finalist, whose real name was James Lee Williams, .
Before the first contestant took to the ice, she said: “Before we move on, like us, many of you will have been saddened by the tragic news of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend.
“They were a huge part of our show, making it all the way to the final in 2023. They’ll be very sorely missed and our thoughts are with The Vivienne’s loved ones at this time. So sad.” It didn’t take long before fans flooded to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their disappointment online.
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Dancing on Ice fans were disappointed by ITV show’s tribute to The Vivienne (Image: PA)
One user penned: “Nah #DancingOnIce making out they were doing a tribute to The Vivienne and they say practically nothing. They make more tribute that that s****y bolero. What the f**k absolutely abysmal show #doi.”
Another echoed:”Was that seriously the tribute for Teh Vivienne they were talking about? Hoping theres soemthing else later on in the show becausr that’s the only reason I tuned into doi #DancingOnIce.”
A third echoed: “Is that it for a tribute to The Vivienne a few words why can’t we at least see some dances etc #DancingOnIce.”
The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner made history as the first drag queen to compete on the ITV show last year. They were partnered up with figure skating professional Colin Grafton and made it all the way through to the grand final where they finished in third place.
Holly Willoughby delivered a quick tribute to the late finalist on the show (Image: ITV)
During an appearance on Good Morning Britain in the lead up to the skating competition, Colin admitted that he’s found it “really tough” after finding out about the star’s death.
Speaking to Richard Arnold, the skater was joined by Mollie Pearce, who he is competing with on this year’s series. He admitted: “I’m not going to lie to you, it’s been a really tough week, but Mollie’s been by my side and been so lovely through everything.”
Talking about The Vivienne, he added: “I’m just trying to channel what she’d want for me and for the show, and that’s just to go out there and smash it. So, doing that for her. It’s tough, but we’re getting through it.”
The Vivienne’s death was confirmed on by publicist and pal Simon Jones who shared a touching statement online. It read: “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’ family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
Police issued a statement following the news of The Vivienne’s death. The spokesman said: “Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of a 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Dancing on Ice airs on Sundays from 6.30pm on ITV1 or catch up on ITVX.