RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne made a posthumous TV appearance in the ITV Liverpudlian sitcom G’wed.
The drag queen, whose real name was James Lee Williams, tragically passed away last month at the age of 32.
Before their death, The Vivienne had been cast in the second season of beloved series G’wed, where they were set to play a Liverpool drag club owner.
The series was released on Thursday and the first episode ended with a touching tribute to The Vivienne after their cameo performance, describing them as a ‘trailblazing icon’.
The Vivienne’s character notices Ted’s comedic potential in the episode and offers him a spot amongst the other drag queens on the bill at the club.
The tribute read: ‘In memory of The Vivienne, a trailblazing icon whose kindness, wit and artistry enriched the world of drag.
RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne made a posthumous TV appearance in the ITV Liverpudlian sitcom G’wed on Thursday
Before their death, The Vivienne had been cast in the second season of beloved series G’wed, where they were set to play a Liverpool drag club owner
‘The Vivienne had a profoundly uplifting, joyous and inspirational effect on the G’Wed team. They will always be in our hearts and forever part of the G’wed family.’
Ahead of the episode airing, the G’wed Instagram account shared a behind-the-scenes snap of The Vivienne filming.
They wrote: ‘James Lee Williams aka The Vivienne (1992-2025). Your laughter filled the room, your wit blew us away, and your kindness to our young cast will never be forgotten.
‘You truly were the best of us Viv and you have made such an incredible impact on all our cast and crew, thank you for showing us that talent comes second to kindness even with someone as phenomenally talented as you.
‘Tonight’s show is for you, we know that you thought this story was one that so desperately needed telling.
‘Your passion for young LGBTQIA+ people to feel supported and know that they are not alone was something you actively worked to change throughout your life. Goodnight Viv, you will be dearly missed and forever loved x.’
Fans were left emotional by seeing The Vivienne on screen once again, as they wrote: ‘The ending of tonight’s G’wed broke me. We miss you forever Vivienne,’;
‘Binged all 5 Eps of G’Wed tonight. A Comedy with Heart, so well written by Danny Kenny. Well done to all the Production Team. Can’t wait for Series 3. Lovely tribute at the end of Ep 1 from the #GWed Team to the legend that was The Vivienne too, such a powerhouse,’;
Ahead of the episode airing, the G’wed Instagram account shared a behind-the-scenes snap of The Vivienne filming and paid tribute
The Vivienne’s character notices Ted’s comedic potential in the episode and offers him a spot amongst the other drag queens on the bill at the club
The drag queen, whose real name was James Lee Williams, tragically passed away last month at the age of 32
‘Already loving the new series of G’Wed. Wasn’t expecting to see Viv appear on our screen. What a talent,’;
‘Absolutely sobbing watching @THEVIVIENNEUK in #Gwed series 2 just beautiful,’;
‘Just watched last nights #Gwed and it was hilarious nice tribute to The Vivienne too.’
The Vivienne shot to wider fame after winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. They competed in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and finished third on Dancing On Ice in 2023.
They won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and placed third in ITV’s Dancing On Ice in 2023.
During their career, The Vivienne also competed on an all-winners season of the RuPaul franchise in the US in 2022, the only UK contestant for that series.
They also starred in BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020, and appeared on Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted For Stand Up To Cancer in 2022.
The performer, who was born in Wales, adopted their drag name as they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
Fans were left emotional by seeing The Vivienne on screen once again, as they wrote: ‘The ending of tonight’s G’wed broke me. We miss you forever Vivienne’
The Vivienne died suddenly last month
The Vivienne was found dead by their heartbroken father and stepmother on the first weekend of January, a friend claimed.
Cheshire Police said officers were called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford at 12.22pm on Sunday January 5 following reports of a sudden death.
Officers said that they found ‘no suspicious circumstances’.
Born in Colwyn Bay, Wales, in April 1992, Williams grew up watching Lily Savage on TV, citing that as their first exposure to drag.
Describing Wales as a ‘big-fish-in-a-small-pond situation’, the star moved to Liverpool aged 16 to pursue a career as a makeup artist, first working on the beauty counter in Debenhams.
