Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne made her final TV appearance in Blankety Blank just days before her shock death aged 32.
The drag artist, whose real name was James Lee Williams, passed away over the weekend, their publicist Simon Jones announced on Sunday.
Just days before their tragic passing, The Vivienne made their final TV appearance in the Christmas special of the BBC’s Blankety Blank reboot, hosted by Bradley Walsh, which aired on Boxing Day.
In the pre-recorded episode, The Vivienne joined joined Jonathan Ross, Oti Mabuse, Jane McDonald, Joel Dommett and Sara Pascoe.
The star’s quick wit was in full force as they fired back hilarious answers at Bradley – before joking about their thoughts on the festive season.
‘Christmas is too long,’ they joked. ‘You get up, you start drinking at 8am, well I do. I want to be bladdered by the time I’m cooking, if it goes wrong, you can say “Sorry, I’m bladdered”.’
Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne made her final TV appearance in Blankety Blank just days before her shock death aged 32
The drag artist, whose real name was James Lee Williams, passed away over the weekend, their publicist Simon Jones announced on Sunday
News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced across social media on Sunday. A cause is yet to be established.
Tributes poured in for the star, who was born in Wales, including from their ex-husband David Lufton, as well as Drag Race judge Michelle Visage and co-star Tia Kofi as they shared their heartbreak at their passing.
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.
‘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.
In the pre-recorded episode, The Vivienne joined joined Jonathan Ross, Oti Mabuse, Jane McDonald, Joel Dommett and Sara Pascoe
The star’s quick wit was in full force as they fired back hilarious answers at Bradley – before joking about their thoughts on the festive season
News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced across social media on Sunday
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’
‘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.
Tributes poured in for the performer, with Drag Race UK vs The World winner Tia Kofi writing: ‘This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the w
orld. 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.’
The Vivienne is seeing at the press night of The Wizard of Oz in 2023
Meanwhile Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared snaps of her and The Vivienne together on Instagram with the caption: ‘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
