RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Star The Vivienne’s Best Moments

The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and competed in the seventh series of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022.

In 2023, they became the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice in 2023, finishing third.

'It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,' a spokesperson said in a statement.

'Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.'

The cause of The Vivienne's death has not been shared and it is unlikely fans will be given any more details.

While Tia Kofi, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Vs The World, posted on social media to say, '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.'

The official RuPaul's Drag Race social media account also issued a statement. 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne,' it reads. 'Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration.'

The Vivienne's best moments

Throughout The Vivienne's career, they have gifted the world of pop culture with several iconic moments.

Snatch game as Donald Trump

The Vivienne's 'Queen Elizabeth walking around Balmoral' outfit, which saw her wear a gold poncho and grey knitted skirt with fluffy ducks attached to it, was one of her most memorable. She then did the floss dance in the outfit and she had RuPaul in tears of laughter.

When The Vivienne took part in the Channel 4 show, Celebrity Hunted, they delivered more iconic TV moments including undergoing a full prosthetic transformation to hide from the hunters.

The Vivienne's last public appearance was one week before they died playing The Child Catcher in the Liverpool run of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Ever one to know how to put together an outfit, The Vivienne paid tribute to their role in The Wizard Of Oz when Wicked came out in cinemas.

Of course, The Vivienne bagged a cameo in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie alongside Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. Drag queen culture was very much celebrated in the film and in its promotion.

In soap opera history, The Vivienne also made a surprise appearance in 'Emmerdale Pride'.

While receiving etiquette lessons on how to excuse yourself from the table to 'powder your nose', The Vivienne delivered the perfect one liner: 'Well, if we'd gone halves on the bag, we'd go together wouldn't we?'