As the effervescent, hilarious winner of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK, The Vivienne had everything to look forward to.
But heartbreakingly, that future was snatched away when the performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died last weekend aged just 32.
In the days leading up to their death, it appears The Vivienne - or Viv, as they were known to friends - had been busy making plans for 2025, with reports suggesting they were planning to move into a new £400,000 house and had booked a holiday.
On Boxing Day, The Vivienne celebrated a hugely successful year on Instagram with a series of snapshots including their performances in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - the West End musical the performer was touring the UK with playing The Child Catcher - and BBC The Vivienne's Ultimate Queens Christmas Party, which saw the star take over BBC Radio Wales for two hours to celebrate 2024's 'queen moments'.
Alongside their career accomplishments were smiling photos with treasured friends and colleagues. "What a year it's been" they said, adding poignantly: "Here's to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in '25. Wishing all the most prosperous new year. You got this."
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Getty Images)The star is thought to have made their last public appearance a week ago, in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Blackpool. When the sad news broke, Liam Calland, a senior content operations executive at ITV, shared a photo with The Vivienne on X.
"Absolutely heartbreaking news about The Vivienne," he wrote. "We only saw him at Chitty in Blackpool last Sunday and he was incredible as The Child Catcher. Owned the part. So sad for his family, love to all the @ChittyOnTour Team who will be hurting so badly."
Just five days ago, the kind hearted drag artist was thinking of others when they urge fans to donate £1 to LGBTQ+ and HIV charity SAHIR. "Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpools oldest LGBT+ charity!!! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won't miss it," they wrote.
Then sadly, on Monday, fans were plunged into shock by news of their passing. Police confirmed they had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death, finding 'no suspicious circumstances'. A friend of the drag star as since shared they were found dead by their distraught dad and stepmum on Sunday and that it is believed they had died earlier that week.
"Their devastated dad raised the alarm and believed they had passed away a day or two before being found," a source told the Sun. "James was due to move to a £400,000 house next week, and had a holiday lined up. They were planning a tour and really had everything to live for."
Announcing The Vivienne's death, their publicist and friend, Simon Jones, issued a statement that read: "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend. James was an incredibly loved, warm- hearted and amazing person. 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."
In a follow-up post, Simon revealed how "proud" he was of The Vivienne and gave an insight into their close bond. He added: "These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.
"I'm so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It's tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon."
English (US) ·