Ariana Grande, Michelle Visage, presenter Rylan and Tia Kofi are among the stars paying tribute to drag performer, actor and singer The Vivienne.
The artist born James Lee Williams died aged 32, their publicist Simon Jones said in a statement on Sunday (5 January).
The Vivienne rose to national fame after winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and also came third on the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice.
Williams, who was born in Wales, adopted the drag name as they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
“My style is like a Scouse wife who has come into money, she moved to LA and blew it all and then she’s had to move back to Liverpool,” they once explained.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK judge Michelle Visage said The Vivienne was a “beacon to so many” who was always laughing and would be “so missed”.
“You were a beacon to so many. I‘m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times,” Visage said.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash was also among those posting messages on the official announcement, writing in an Instagram comment: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”.
Pop star and Ariana Grande shared a tribute post from drag performer Jinkx Monsoon to her Instagram Stories along with three heart emojis.
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“I don’t entirely have words,” Jinkx Monsoon wrote in her post. “She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages. It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv.”
“The news about The Vivienne is so sad. What an amazing performer. Such a loss. Rest in peace gorgeous xxx,” TV presenter Rylan wrote on X/Twitter.
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly wrote on X: “Oh this is so sad – such a lovely, funny, whip smart and generous person. A delight to interview. My thoughts with everyone who loved The Vivienne.”
Meanwhile, Coronation Street star Antony Cotton said the news of the death of James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, was “unbelievably sad”.
In a post on X, Cotton added: “This is so unbelievably sad. James was a real joy to be around. We loved him x.”
Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley referred to The Vivienne as an “incredible human” and said they would be missed so much following the death of the drag queen.
Posting to Instagram, Riley said: “You incredible human. Rest in peace. Never stop shining your beautiful light over us all. Love and strength to all your family. We will miss you so much.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Vs The World winner Tia Kofi said in a post on social media: “This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world.
“Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv.”
Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, said the news was “deeply sad”, adding that the broadcaster was “fiercely proud of The Vivienne‘s achievements”.
