Ariana Grande has paid a heartfelt tribute to The Vivienne – who won the show’s UK series in 2019 – on Instagram on Sunday following their tragic death aged 32.
News of the talented drag artist’s, real name James Lee Williams, passing was announced on social media on Sunday. A cause is yet to be established.
Ahead of attending the 2025 Golden Globes, Wicked actress Ariana, 31, took to social media to share a picture of The Vivienne along with three hearts and an infinity emoji.
The Vivienne starred as the misunderstood yet strong and compassionate Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of The Wizard of Oz musical.
They also channelled Elphaba in November as they attended Ariana’s London Wicked film premiere.
The sad news was announced in a statement by The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones on Instagram, with several other huge stars paying tribute.
Ariana Grande has paid a heartfelt tribute to The Vivienne – who won the show’s UK series in 2019 – on Instagram on Sunday following their tragic death aged 32
News of the talented drag artist’s, real name James Lee Williams, passing was announced on social media on Sunday. A cause is yet to be established
Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards replied with a string of broken heart emojis, while Pussycat Doll star Ashley Roberts reshared the statement and commented: ‘This is devastating news, absolutely horrific, RIP Queen Viv’.
She later captioned a snap of herself and The Vivienne in happier times writing: ‘The world lost an angel, rest in peace’.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK judge Michelle Visage shared photos of herself alongside The Vivienne, writing a heartfelt tribute to ‘her angel’.
She wrote: ‘Heartbreaking I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point’.
‘Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. 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’.
Meanwhile The Vivienne’s ex husband David Luford shared his own emotional tribute, they were together for seven years before splitting in 2023.
In a lengthy statement he wrote: ‘My heart literally sank when I got the call. Never in a million years did I ever think I’d ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams.
And ahead of attending the 2025 Golden Globes, Wicked actress Ariana, 31, took to social media to share a picture of The Vivienne along with three hearts and an infinity emoji
The Vivienne channelled Elphaba as they attended Ariana’s London Wicked film premiere alongside friend Tia Kofi
The Vivienne starred as the misunderstood yet strong and compassionate Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of The Wizard of Oz musical
Elsewhere RuPaul’s Drag Race UK judge Michelle Visage j (L) paid tributes to The Vivienne (R) following the sad news
Sharing photos of herself alongside the Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, Michelle penned a heartfelt tribute to ‘her angel’
She wrote: ‘Heartbreaking I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point’
Michelle shared a string of throwback snaps of the pair
The news was announced in a statement by The Vivienne’s representatives Simon Jones PR on Instagram, to which Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards replied with a string of broken heart emojis
Meanwhile Pussycat Doll star Ashley Roberts captioned a snap of herself and The Vivienne in happier times writing: ‘The world lost an angel, rest in peace’
Rylan wrote: ‘Just seen the news that The Vivienne has passed away. Such a talented performer and such a sad loss. Rest in Peace gorgeous x’
Meanwhile The Vivienne’s ex husband David Ludford shared his own emotional tribute, they were together for seven years before splitting in 2023
In a lengthy statement he wrote: ‘My heart literally sank when I got the call. Never in a million years did I ever think I’d ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams.
David shared snaps of himself and The Vivienne throughout their relationship
X Factor and Union J star Jaymi Hensley (L) shared his own tribute and asked late fiancé Olly Marmon (C) to welcome their pal into heaven in a heartbreaking post.
Oliver, 33, died after plummeting 30ft from the third floor of a three-star Hind Hotel in Wellingborough, Northampton, on August 12, just weeks ahead of his wedding to Jaymi
Denise Van Outen was left heartbroken
Fellow drag artist and Strictly star Tayce (R) shared a stunning snap of themsleves with The Vivienne and wrote: ‘Rest in peace angel’
Dancing on Ice’s Oti Mabuse, who judged The Vivienne as a contestant during the 2023, shared her own heartfelt tribute
RuPaul’s Drag Race said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration’.
‘This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria!! We literally clicked straight away and we knew we was going to be together for along time!! He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone.
‘I’m so happy to say I not only met you but we was together, we was husbands and you was the biggest part of my life [sic] for such a long time. 6 years is such a long time to spend 24/7 with. You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel.’
X Factor and Union J star Jaymi Hensley shared his own tribute and asked late fiancé Olly Marmon to welcome their pal into heaven in a heartbreaking post.
Oliver, 33, died after plummeting 30ft from the third floor of a three-star Hind Hotel in Wellingborough, Northampton, on August 12, just weeks ahead of his wedding to Jaymi.
The singer wrote: ‘I actually can’t believe this! When we took this photo little did we know there would only be three of us left. 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’.
Meanwhile RuPaul’s Drag Race said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration’.
‘She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time’.
Dancing on Ice’s Oti Mabuse, who judged The Vivienne as a contestant during the 2023, shared her own heartfelt tribute. ‘Some news hits you harder than others and stops you in your tracks. I absolutely loved the Viv. A beautiful human being,’
She continued: ‘Funny, kind, a trailblazer, creative and so warm. You were such an asset to Dancing On Ice, one of the greatest on Drag Race and just a phenomenal entertainer on screen and theatre. Rest in peace’.
The Vivienne’s 2023 Dancing On Ice co-star Claire Sweeney wrote: ‘Devastating news RIP The Vivienne, beautiful inside and out’
Fellow DOI star Adele Roberts also paid her respects: ‘Absolutely heartbroken. Thinking of The Vivienne’s family, friends and loved one. Gone far too soon. Rest in paradise Queen’
Fellow Drag Race winner Bianca Del Rio thanked The Vivienne for ‘sharing their light’ with the world
Bianca (R) and The Vivienne (L) pictured together
Drag Race UK vs The World winner Tia Kofi wrote: ‘This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world’
The Vivienne (R) is pictured with Tia Kofi (L) at the Wicked premiere in London in November
CBB and West End star Marisha Wallace said the tradgedy had left her ‘lost for words’
The Vivienne’s series one co-stars paid tribute to the stay, with Blu Hydrangea writing: ‘Truly heartbroken to hear about the loss of a dear friend and sister’
Meanwhile Cheryl Hole said: ‘I will love you forever Viv’
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley shared her tribute to The Vivienne, as she wrote: ‘You incredible human…..rest in peace never stop shining your beautiful light over us all’
Comedian and Strictly star Jayde Adams said The Vivienne’s death had left her ‘completely undone’
Mae Muller who represented UK in 2023’s Eurovision also paid her respects
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said: ‘The Vivienne, James Lee Williams (1992-2025). We met a couple of times and chatted online, he was absolutely delightful’.
The Vivienne’s Dancing On Ice co-star Claire Sweeney wrote: ‘Devastating news RIP The Vivienne, beautiful inside and out’.
Fellow DOI star Adele Roberts also paid her respects: ‘Absolutely heartbroken. Thinking of The Vivienne’s family, friends and loved one. Gone far too soon. Rest in paradise Queen’.
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said: ‘The Vivienne, James Lee Williams (1992-2025). We met a couple of times and chatted online, he was absolutely delightful’.
‘I was expecting lots of drag queen banter and bitching, but he was far more than that, kinder and more thoughtful and glittering with shrewd observations. And what a talent! On the cusp of graduating to West End stardom. What a world. Night, darling.
Confirming the news on Instagram, The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones 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, warmhearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle.
Last year they made history as she became the first drag queen to perform on Dancing On Ice, with viewers branding them a ‘superstar’
The Vivienne won the first series of the UK version of the drag contest headed up by Ru Paul in 2019, before returning for the US All Stars Winners season in 2022
Confirming the news on Instagram, Simon Jones PR wrote: ‘It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend
‘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.’
He continued: ‘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 as much in my life 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 everyday for the last five 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.’
The Vivienne received the name as they were known for wearing designer Vivienne Westwood and was later one of the ten contestants selected to compete on the first series of Drag Race when it travelled across the pond.
Following their win, The Vivienne went on to host an online chat show where celebrities joined her to chat about series’ of the show, before they ventured in musical theatre. Recently, the performer hosted a Christmas party show on BBC Radio Wales.
