The Vivienne's last appearance was just one week ago - days before passing away at the age of 32.
The Ru Paul's Drag Race UK star, whose real name was James Lee Williams, appeared in Blackpool while starring in the West End musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as The Childcatcher. Liam Calland, a senior content operations executive at ITV, shared a photo with The Vivienne on X after news of their death emerged this evening.
He wrote: "Absolutely heartbreaking news about The Vivienne. 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."
The tour started at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton in April and has travelled the UK since. The latest date was in Liverpool one week ago. The show also stars former Adam Garcia as Caractacus Potts, Emmerdale star Liam Fox as Grandpa Potts, and Ellie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious.
Just three days ago, The Vivienne shared a final social media post urging fans to donate to SAHIR, Liverpool's largest and oldest LGBTQ+ and HIV charity. The drag performer wrote: "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." The star's death was announced by their friend and publicist Simon Jones on social media this evening. Simon wrote: "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."
Simon later wrote in a follow-up post: "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."
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