Drag Race UK star The Vivienne died over the weekend aged 32, her publicist announced.
The performer rose to fame on the first series of the UK version of Ru Paul’s Drag Race in 2019 and made numerous television appearances in the following years, including competing on Dancing On Ice.
But just weeks after placing third in the skating program in 2023, Vivienne went through a big life change when she split from her husband David Paul Ludford, 34.
Vivienne, whose real name is James Lee Williams, and her ex shared a love of drag, as David owns a company that makes and sells wigs for drag queens, called Drag Helmet.
The couple began their romance in 2017 before getting married in 2019 in a lavish flower-filled ceremony at GAY’s Heaven nightclub in London, and were the first couple to marry there after being granted permission to hold weddings that same year.
But after almost six years together, the couple went their separate ways in 2023 when they said “life got in the way” of their relationship.
Drag Race UK star The Vivienne died over the weekend aged 32, her publicist announced (pictured with ex-husband David Ludford)

Just weeks after coming third on Dancing On Ice in 2023, Vivienne went through a big life change when she split from her husband David.
When the couple split in 2023, they told MailOnline: ‘As many will have noticed, David and I have recently been separated. We have made the decision to separate after 5 and a half incredible years.
‘We are still very friends, but sometimes life gets in the way and people grow apart.
‘We wish each other the best and we will always be part of each other’s lives. We ask that you respect our privacy at this time. Thank you. James and David’.
And the news of Vivienne’s passing ‘sank David’s heart’ as he issued an emotional tribute on Instagram on Sunday.
Accompanying a series of snaps from their wedding day, she wrote: “My heart literally sank when I got the call. I never in a million years thought I would ever write something like this about James Lee Williams.
‘This man changed my life so much from the day we met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria!! We literally clicked right away and knew we were going to be together for a long time! He made me feel love and showed me what it was really like to love someone.
‘We literally spent and did so many things together it was like a whirlwind and I wouldn’t have traded the time we spent together for anything in the world!’
‘I feel like an idiot feeling this upset and hurt because we’ve been completely divorced for just over a year, but we were together for 6 years and we loved each other so much that you can’t take that away.

The performer rose to fame on the first series of the UK version of Ru Paul’s Drag Race in 2019 and made numerous television appearances in the following years, including competing on Dancing On Ice.

Vivienne, whose real name is James Lee Williams, and her ex shared a love of drag, as David owns a company that makes and sells wigs for drag queens, called Drag Helmet.

The couple began their romance in 2017 before tying the knot in 2019 in a lavish, flower-filled ceremony at GAY’s Heaven nightclub in London.

The former couple were the first couple to marry at the venue after being granted permission to hold weddings later that year.
‘I am very happy to say that not only did I meet you, but we were together, we were husbands and you were the most important part of my life (sic) for so long.
‘6 years is a long time to spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will always have a place in my heart. I will miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep well angel.’
News of the talented drag performer’s death was announced via social media on Sunday night, with numerous tributes to the star. A cause has not yet been established.
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, caring 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.

And the news of Vivienne’s passing ‘sank David’s heart’ as he issued an emotional tribute on Instagram on Sunday.

News of the talented drag performer’s death was announced via social media on Sunday night, with tributes to the star. A cause has not yet been established

La Vivienne appears in her last television appearance that aired a few days before her death.
“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.
‘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.