The Vivienne's heartbroken ex-husband has shared his first love will always have a place in his heart following their tragic death.
The iconic drag queen, 32, who rose to fame on Ru Paul's Drag Race, died over the weekend, with the star's publicist confirming the sad news on Sunday evening. PR guru Simon Jones said The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, was an "incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person" in an Instagram post.
He continued: "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." The Vivienne was the first drag queen to star in Dancing On Ice and came third in the 2023 series, and also had a guest appearance in ITV soap Emmerdale.
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DAILY MIRROR)The performer's ex-husband shared a touching tribute on Facebook shortly after the news broke online. David Ludford, a who runs a company selling wigs for drag queens called Drag Helmet Wigs, wrote: "This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria!!"
David said they "clicked straight away" and "did so much together, it was like a whirlwind". He said he wouldn't have changed anything about the time they spent together, despite their divorce. David said James made him "feel love" and showed him "what it was really like to love someone".
He added: "You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel." David and James tied the knot in December 2019 at London's famous gay club, Heaven, and were the first couple to get married at the iconic venue, which was decorated with trees and flowers.
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PA)At the time, James wrote on Instagram: "This has been the most amazing day. I cannot thanks @Jeremy_Joseph (club owner) enough. You've made it amazing." David was a constant support for James throughout The Vivienne's busy drag career, but after almost six years together, they parted ways and had an amicable split.
In April 2023, The Vivienne confirmed their break-up, writing on Instagram: "As many may have noticed, David and I have been apart recently. We have made the decision to part ways after an amazing five and a half years. We are still very much friends, but sometimes life gets in the way and people grow apart."
The statement continued: "We wish each the absolute best and will always be part of each others lives. We'd ask that you please respect our privacy at this time. Thank you. James and David." The couple's split came as a shock to fans and friends alike, who flooded social media with message of support for the pair.
TV personality Vanessa Feltz, who had also split from her long-term partner at the time, commented on the post: "So sorry to hear and available to take you out for dinner whenever you are free!!" Fellow drag queens Cheryl Hole and Bimini Bon Boulash also posted hearts and flower emojis in support of the star.
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