James Lee Williams, the popular British drag performer and singer who was known as The Vivienne, has died aged 32.

The news was announced by her publicist Simon Jones, who shared a statement on social media.

“It is with great sadness that we inform you that our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, passed away this weekend,” Jones said.

“James was an incredibly loved, warm and amazing human being. Her family is heartbroken over the loss of their son, brother and uncle.

“They are so proud of the wonderful things James has accomplished in their lives and careers.”

Welsh-born Vivienne rose to fame after competing in and ultimately winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, having already been named the UK Drag Ambassador for the US show four years earlier.

Her many unforgettable moments include RuPaul’s Drag Race UK were her candid discussions about dealing with drug addiction: “I wasn’t really expecting to talk about it, but when you’re on a reality TV show you open up a lot more because it’s just a pressure cooker of emotions and personalities. “,” they said in an interview in 2021.

They revealed that they often received at least 30 messages a day from fans who felt inspired to get clean.

After drag racing, Vivienne subsequently appeared in the critically acclaimed and award-winning medical drama This will hurt based on Adam Kay’s memoir of the same name. They were the first drag performers to compete Dancing on ice in 2023 and took third place.

In 2024 they played the role of the Wicked Witch of the West on a tour of Great Britain and Ireland The Wizard of Oz musical, He calls it “the most iconic story ever told.”

“It was probably the best experience of my life so far,” they said InCommon in an interview in January last year. “The rehearsal process alone was wonderful – being surrounded by the most amazing, talented, creative people and welcoming me with open arms and really enjoying what I was doing with the role.

“I feel very blessed and still feel like I’m the one who ended up in Oz and that I’ll wake up again in Kansas and realize it was all a dream.”

The Vivienne reprized her role at the Gillian Lynne Theater in the West End.

Jones’ statement concluded: “We ask that James’ family be given the time and privacy they need now to process their grief and grieve.”

In a separate post, he said that these were words he “never wanted to write” and added: “No one has ever made me laugh as hard in my life as Viv.” Her comic genius and repartee were second to none.

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

Jones continued: “It’s tragic that her career was just beginning. In musical theater, Viv had found a space and a career that she loved, excelled at, and thrived at. I am heartbroken and devastated by this news. RIP my wonderful friend, you left us way too soon.”

Following the news, tributes immediately poured in from hundreds of The Vivienne’s friends and supporters.

“I am at a loss for words. Completely broken,” RuPaulsDrag Race Judge Michelle Visage wrote.

“I’m so sorry,” fellow drag artist Bimini wrote on Jones’ post. “I’m totally shocked.”

Former Little Mix star and solo artist Perrie Edwards shared a series of heart emojis, while singer Nicole Appleton wrote: “Oh Simon I’m so sorry to send you love.”

Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley called The Vivienne an “incredible human being”.

“Never stop shining your beautiful light over us all,” she wrote. “Love and strength to your entire family. We will miss you so much.”