RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, has died aged 32 leaving their family and friends “heartbroken”.

RuPaul’s Drag Race winner and Dancing On Ice contestant The Vivienne – real name James Lee Williams – has tragically died aged just 32.

The heartbreaking news was announced by publicist Simon Jones on Sunday night. He confirmed The Vivienne’s death in a statement shared to Instagram, which read: “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.

“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.”

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The Vivienne finished third on Dancing on Ice in 2023. (Image: Getty)

The Vivienne’s death has rocked their fans and famous friends, and thousands rushed to the comments to express their shock.

RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage wrote: “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.”

Nicole Appleton said: “Oh Simon I’m so sorry sending you love.”

Sheridan Smith commented: “Oh my god! No!!!! So sorry Simon.”

And Ashley Roberts echoed: “Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news.”

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The Vivienne won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. (Image: Getty)

The Vivienne rose to fame in 2019 after competing in and winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The drag star adopted their name due to a love of wearing clothing designed by Vivienne Westwood.

Before this, The Vivienne was already a huge name on the drag scene. They were appointed as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American reality show in 2015 and went on to compete in the seventh series of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022.

In 2023, The Vivienne became the first drag performer to compete on Dancing On Ice. They danced with professional skater Colin Grafton and finished in third place.

The Welsh-born star performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.

The Vivienne played the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard Of Oz musical. (Image: Getty)

Simon Jones returned to Instagram later in the evening to share a personal tribute to The Vivienne.

The publicist, who also represents the likes of Cheryl and Louise Redknapp, penned: “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 in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.

“It’s tragic that their career was only just the beginning…I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”