Former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, has died aged 32.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “It is with immense sadness that we inform you that our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, passed away this weekend.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm and extraordinary person.
“Their family is heartbroken by the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are very proud of the wonderful things James has accomplished in their life and career.
“We will not disclose further details. We please ask that James’ family be given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.
RuPaul’s Dragster Race Judge Michelle Visage said she was “completely heartbroken” by the news.
Sharing photos of herself with The Vivienne, she said: “I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_, we’re going back to when I first started coming here to the UK.
“You were always there, always laughing, always generous, always relevant. Your laugh, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved everything but I especially loved your friendship.
She added: “I love you my darling. We will miss you so much my dear. May your light shine fiercely, forever.
Vivienne rose to prominence in 2015 after becoming the British drag ambassador for US series RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The show sees drag queens compete in front of a panel of judges to become the next drag superstar.
The Vivienne then took part in the first UK series of the show in 2019, before winning it after a lip sync in the final with the Wham! hit I’m your man.
Their drag name comes from their love of designer Vivienne Westwood.
Wales-born Williams also came third in the 2023 series of Dancing on ice.
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A host of celebrities and co-stars paid tribute on social media, with former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts writing: “OMG! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news.
Shea Coulee, who won the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, said: “I’m in complete shock. It’s so devastating.
Another Drag Race star, Bimini Bon Boulash, wrote: “I’m so sorry. I am completely in shock.
Williams’ publicist Simon Jones also described their “immense talent” and “comic genius and quick wit”.
Mr Jones wrote on Instagram: “These are words I never wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much.
“As soon as 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 each piece was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh as much in my life as Viv. Their comic genius and quick wit were unlike any other.
He said he was “heartbroken and devastated” by the news, adding: “RIP my wonderful friend. You left us too soon.
