Ariana Grande has paid a touching tribute to The Vivienne.
Ariana Grande is among the stars to pay tribute to The Vivienne
The drag queen - whose real name was James Lee Williams - won the first-ever series of 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK ' in 2019 and went on to have a successful career on television and stage and sadly passed away aged 32 on Sunday (05.01.25).
The Vivienne starred as the Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) in the West End revival of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ musical last year after playing the role in a UK and Ireland tour.
And ‘Wicked’ star Ariana – who plays Glinda The Good Witch in the two-part big-screen adaptation of the Broadway classic – re-posted a photograph of The Vivienne on her Instagram Stories and added three white hearts and an infinity emoji following the tragic news.
A spokesperson said over the weekend: "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, warm-hearted 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.
"No further information will be given at present, and the spokesperson asked that James' family be given "privacy" at this sad time.
"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."
A cause of death is not currently known.
'Drag Race' judge Michelle Visage led the celebrity tributes and noted how "lucky" she was to have had him as a friend.
She wrote on X: "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.'"
'Drag Race UK' star Bimini Bon Boulash wrote: "I'm so sorry I'm in total shock."
Cheryl - who used to go by Cheryl Hole - starred on the same series as The Vivienne and said: "I will love you forever Viv."
Shortly after his rise to fame, James married David Ludford but they separated in 2023.
Following his victory on the BBC Three competition series, The Vivienne competed on 'Dancing On Ice' and branched out into music with the album 'Bitch on Heels' in 2022.
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