The Vivienne's best friend reveals private meeting with Ant and Dec for important cause

The Vivienne's close friend Simon Jones has opened up on the sweet moment that the beloved performance artist taught Ant and Dec how to do drag for their End of the Show Show

A close friend of The Vivienne has opened up about a private meeting that the performer shared with TV presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

It follows the sad news that the iconic drag queen, who rose to fame in 2019 after appearing on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, died over the weekend at the age of 32.

Announcing the tragic news, publicist Simon Jones called The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, an “incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person”. And now, in an emotional tribute to their beloved friend, Simon has recalled the heartwarming moment that The Vivienne taught Ant and Dec how to do drag.

In a powerful op-ed, Simon explained how the drag star was called upon when Geordie duo Ant and Dec wanted a memorable way to end one episode of their iconic Saturday Night Takeaway show. To ensure that the performance was as good as possible, The Vivienne even helped to give the TV personalities tips on their act.

“When Ant and Dec wanted to learn how to do drag for Saturday Night Takeaway, there was only one person to turn to and that was The Vivienne,” he wrote in the Metro. “Viv met up with Ant and Dec privately and taught them how to move and perform as a drag queen, giving them hilarious tips to improve their performance. Viv then performed with them live on the show in a triumphant ‘End of the Show Show’ that was loved by millions of people all over the country.”

Following news of The Vivienne’s death, tributes poured in for the Dancing On Ice star. “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,” wrote Tia Kofi, who won Drag Race UK vs The World.

“I actually can’t believe this! When we took this photo little did we know there would only be three of us left [broken heart emoji] my darling @ollymarmon please welcome our beautiful James @thevivienne_ into heaven! Look after each other , this is too much for my heart to handle! The scales of better people being up there then here has now well and truly changed,” said Hits Radio host Jaymi Hensley-Marmon.

Meanwhile, Michelle Visage paid tribute to The Vivienne’s wit, talent and laughter. She added: “You were a beacon to so many. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”

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