James Lee Williams, better known as drag queen The Vivienne, has died at the age of 32.

Publicist Simon Jones said the artist, who died at the weekend, was “an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing human being”.

Vivienne won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.

Mr Jones asked for privacy for the star’s family and said no further details would be released at this time.

RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said the news of Vivienne’s death was “heartbreaking.”

Writing on social mediaVisage wrote: “Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your impact. I loved everything, but most of all I loved your friendship.”

“You were a lighthouse for so many… I love you, my darling. You will be so missed.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash also reacted to the news, writing on Instagram: “I’m so sorry I’m in complete shock.”

Cheryl The Queen – who used to be called Cheryl Hole – competed on the same Drag Race series as The Vivienne. She also shared the statement on Instagram, writing: “I will love you forever Viv.”

Mr Jones said these were words he “never wanted to write”.

“No one has ever made me laugh as hard as Viv in my life. Her comic genius and quick wit were second to none,” he said.

“I am so proud and happy that Viv has been such a big part of my life every day for the last five years.”

Williams was born in Wales and adopted the drag name because he loved Vivienne Westwood’s clothes.

As well as winning Drag Race, Vivienne came third in the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice and appeared as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of the musical The Wizard of Oz.

The actor reprized the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theater last year.

In an Instagram post On Boxing Day, The Vivienne published a series of photos with the caption: “24′ Highlights.”

“What a year this has been. Here’s to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in 25,” the star wrote before signing off: “Viv xxx.”

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