The Vivienne competed in Dancing On Ice in 2023. (Image: Getty)
The Vivienne was already one of the most recognisable drag stars in the UK when she reached a brand-new audience on . The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner participated in the ice skating competition in 2023, finishing in third place with her partner Colin Grafton.
Despite the excitement about taking on the huge challenge, the late star admitted she was apprehensive about how she would be received by the audience.
The Vivienne – real name James Lee Williams – heartbreakingly expressed her fears to at the time, saying: “Are we going to get a million Ofcom complaints? Were we going to get voted out week one because people didn’t want to see it? Were the homophobes going to go wild?
“It’s hard to be the first one to do something, especially in this country.”
Fortunately, the majority of comments were positive and The Vivienne and Colin resonated with viewers.
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The Vivienne was partnered with ice skater Colin Grafton. (Image: Getty)
Her influence helped people across the country. She recalled to the same publication: “I’ve been speaking to so many parents throughout Dancing On Ice who’ve been messaging me and sending me videos of their little boy dancing around the living room to me and Colin doing Jolene.
“And then you realise, ‘oh wow’. And it’s not only helping the children, it’s helping the parents, to see a 30-year-old being who they want to be on TV, living a happy and successful life.”
The Vivienne’s time on the show was not an easy one, and she just days before the final.
She slipped and fell on her knee during her semi-final skate to the Bond track, Live and Let Die. She managed to finish her performance but confessed to hosts and that she was in pain.
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The Vivienne was one of the most recognisable drag stars in the UK. (Image: Getty)
Soldiering on, The Vivienne continued in the competition but was .
The musical theatre star was rehearsing for the final when she fell again and “hit the ice hard”, landing on the same knee she injured in the semi-final.
She was seen by medics and advised to rest and ice up.
The Vivienne was able to perform in the final and behind Joey Essex and winner Nile Wilson.
The Vivienne’s death was announced over the weekend. (Image: Getty)
The Vivienne’s over the weekend. The 32-year-old was at an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police 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 Dancing On Ice partner, Colin, was one of the first to . He wrote: “I can’t believe I am writing these words…
“I am truly heartbroken. What we were able to accomplish together on Dancing On Ice was truly remarkable and I know your bravery and our partnership inspired many people.
“I will always be so proud of what we accomplished. Viv, your spirit, strength, and kindness will always stay with me and with everyone you touched. I will forever cherish our time together on and off the ice, you will forever be my Mary Poppins.
“I promise to carry your memory with me in everything I do. You taught me so much about so many things, and I am eternally grateful. Your legacy lives on.”