James Lee Williams, better known as drag queen The Vivienne, has died at the age of 32.
Publicist Simon Jones said the artist, who died at the weekend, was “an incredibly loved, warm and extraordinary person”.
La Vivienne won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.
Mr Jones asked for the privacy of the star’s family and said no further details would be released at this time.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said she was “completely heartbroken” at the news of The Vivienne’s death.
Writing on social media, Visage wrote: “I have no words. Totally sorry.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash reacted to the news, writing on Instagram: “I’m so sorry, I’m in total shock.”
Cheryl The Queen – who used to be called Cheryl Hole – competed on the same series of Drag Race as The Vivienne. She also shared the statement on Instagram, writing: “I will love you forever Viv. »
Mr Jones said they were words he “never wanted to write”.
“No one has ever made me laugh as much in my life as Viv. Their comic genius and quick wit were like no other,” he said.
“I am so proud and lucky that Viv has played such an important role in my life every day for the last 5 years.”
