Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne made her final television appearance on Blankety Blank just days before her shocking death aged 32.
The drag performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died over the weekend, her publicist Simon Jones announced Sunday.
Just days before her tragic passing, Vivienne made her final television appearance in the BBC’s Blankety Blank reboot Christmas special, presented by Bradley Walsh, which aired on Boxing Day.
In the pre-recorded episode, The Vivienne was joined by Jonathan Ross, Oti Mabuse, Jane McDonald, Joel Domett and Sara Pascoe.
The star’s quick wit was in full force as they gave playful responses to Bradley, before joking about what they thought about the festive season.
“Christmas is too long,” they joked. ‘You get up, start drinking at 8 in the morning, well, I do it. I want to have a bladder for when I’m cooking. If it goes wrong, you can say, “Sorry, I have a bladder.”
Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne made her final television appearance on Blankety Blank just days before her shocking death aged 32.
The drag performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died over the weekend, his publicist Simon Jones announced Sunday.
News of the talented drag performer’s death was announced via social media on Sunday. A cause has not yet been established.
Tributes poured in for the star, who was born in Wales, including from her ex-husband David Lufton, as well as Drag Race judge Michelle Visage and her co-star Tia Kofi as they shared their heartbreak over her passing.
Confirming the news on Instagram, The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we inform you that our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, passed away this weekend.
‘James was an incredibly loved, kind-hearted and amazing person. His family is heartbroken over the loss of their son, brother and uncle.
‘They are very proud of the wonderful things James achieved in his life and career. We will not publish more details.
“We ask that James’ family be given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
He continued: ‘These are words I never 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 each room was amazing. No one has made me laugh as much in my life as Viv did. Her comedic genius and quick wit were like no other.
In the pre-recorded episode, The Vivienne was joined by Jonathan Ross, Oti Mabuse, Jane McDonald, Joel Domett and Sara Pascoe.
The star’s quick wit was in full force as she fired off hilarious responses to Bradley, before joking about her thoughts on the festive season.
News of the talented drag performer’s death was announced via social media on Sunday.
Confirming the news on Instagram, Simon Jones PR wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we inform you that our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, passed away this weekend.”
‘I am so proud and lucky that Viv has been such an important part of my life every day for the past five years. It’s tragic that his career is just beginning. In musical theater, Viv had found a space and career that they loved, excelled at, and thrived on.
“I am heartbroken and devastated by this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us too soon.
The Viviennes were named because they were known for dressing designer Vivienne Westwood and were later one of ten contestants selected to compete on the first series of Drag Race when it crossed the pond.
Following her win, The Vivienne went on to host an online chat show where celebrities joined her to chat about the show’s series, before venturing into musical theatre. Recently, the artist presented 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 for the British drag community and the world.” Viv represented UK drag at its finest on stage and screen internationally.
‘She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. We will all feel this shock deeply. I love you Viv’.
Vivienne will be seen at the Wizard of Oz press night 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 what I feel.
‘My dear @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.
‘Your laugh, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved everything but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a lighthouse for many.
‘Watching you make your West End debut was incredible for me to witness your dream come true in front of my eyes, I am the lucky one to have met you and laughed with you so many times.
‘I love you my love. you will be like that