BBC Drag Race UK's future in doubt after The Vivienne's death left RuPaul 'in bits'

Drag Race UK star The Vivienne dies aged 32

RuPaul is reportedly so devastated by the death of The Vivienne that he is contemplating stepping down from his role as host of the show, according to recent reports.

The 64 year old television star honoured The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, with a heartfelt tribute following their untimely death at the age of 32 last weekend.

RuPaul expressed his sorrow: "With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of the Vivienne - an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being."

The Vivienne emerged as a standout competitor on RuPaul's Drag Race, the BBC reality programme where drag artists vie for the title of RuPaul's "superstar". Claiming victory in the first UK edition in 2019, The Vivienne made an indelible mark on the show.

Their sudden death has left RuPaul incredibly shaken, and sources say he is now considering resigning from the TV project, which has enjoyed five successful years on the BBC airwaves after its original US acclaim.

The Vivienne was found dead last weekend aged just 32 (Image: Getty)

An insider revealed: "This has come like a bolt out of the blue for Ru. The Vivienne was one of his brightest stars and everyone knows what a soft spot he had for them.

"He has been left absolutely devastated by their passing and is now weighing up his own future. Ru is now seriously considering standing down from hosting the UK franchise, which will always be associated with The Viv," reports the Mirror.

Ru, originally from San Diego, California, remained publicly silent on the issue for 24 hours before issuing an emotional statement on Instagram.

In the midst of numerous tributes, including touching messages from singer Michelle Visage and Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, RuPaul's immediate response seemed conspicuously absent.

RuPaul has reportedly decided to step back from the UK version of his hit show, leaving fans in shock as insiders claim he's ready to hand over the reins to co-hosts Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, and Graham Norton.

RuPaul could step down from hosting duties after The Vivienne's death (Image: Getty)

This comes after RuPaul paid tribute to The Vivienne, a drag queen who rose to fame after winning the first UK series of RuPaul's Drag Race.

The Vivienne, whose real name is James Williams, chose their stage name out of admiration for designer Vivienne Westwood. Before finding fame, Williams struggled to make ends meet performing in bars on Gran Canaria.

Inspired by RuPaul's success in America, Williams created The Vivienne persona, which gained popularity for its blend of brutal honesty, sharp wit, and a spot-on Donald Trump impression.

Tragically, on Sunday, Williams was found unresponsive at home by their father and Cheshire Police were called to the scene in Chorlton-by-Backford at 12.22pm and later confirmed that there were "no suspicious circumstances," surrounding the incident.