
Tribute film about The Vivienne to air this summer, BBC says
A coroner ruled that the performer's death was by misadventure when Williams suffered cardiorespiratory arrest after taking ketamine.
The superstar rose to fame after winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019 and came third in the 2023 series of Dancing On Ice.
Williams, who was born in Wales, adopted the drag name as they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
Through a blend of interviews, family photos, home videos and behind-the-scenes Drag Race footage, the film will celebrate The Vivienne's life charting their journey from North Wales and Liverpool through to the global stage.
The film will also include interviews with Williams' family, early mentors and Drag Race friends including Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli and Danny Beard.
Tia Kofi will also feature in the film along with Cheryl Hole, Raja, Monet X Change, and Trinity The Tuck, as they pay tribute to the drag star.
The film also touches on the star's self-confessed struggle with ketamine addiction and the campaigning done by The Vivienne's sister, Chanel Williams, who argues for better awareness around the dangers of the drug.
Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, co-founders of World of Wonder, who produced the film, said: 'We wanted to celebrate The Vivienne and not just mourn her.
'Although she left us far too soon her life was defined by her breathtaking talent, scene-stealing charisma, and infinite kindness.
'We hope her vision and her voice shine through in Dear Viv and that it inspires everyone who watches it.
'Although producing it was bittersweet, we are so grateful to friends and family for trusting us to tell The Vivienne's story. Above all, we hope Viv loves the film as much as we loved her.'
Nasfim Haque, head of content for BBC Three: 'Dear Viv is a fitting tribute to The Vivienne who truly was a trailblazer in the world of drag. She showcased her artistry and talent brilliantly and paved the way for many to follow in her footsteps.'
The hour-long feature film will be available to watch on BBC Three and iPlayer on August 28.
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House of The Vivienne, described as a 'safe, inclusive space' offering free, confidential advice, guidance, and compassion, launched at Ty Enfys (Rainbow House) on Abergele Road in Colwyn Bay on Tuesday, August 12. The group is led by Chanel Williams, sister of the late James Lee Williams - better known to millions as The Vivienne - and her family. The group is led by Chanel Williams, sister of the late James Lee Williams - better known to as The Vivienne (Image: Submitted) The space has been created to honour James's life and their courage in speaking about their own struggles, and their unwavering belief in helping others. The first-ever winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, James died in January this year at the age of 32, following a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking ketamine. It was a devastating loss for family, friends, and the LGBTQ+ community, and one that Chanel is determined will help spark awareness and change. The Vivienne and Chanel (Image: Submitted) 'Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK,' said Chanel. 'There's still a stigma around ketamine use, and that's costing lives. We want to break that stigma and create a place where people feel safe to say: I need help.' Chanel and her family, working in partnership with The Sanctuary Trust, Adferiad, and local substance abuse charities, are beginning this campaign in their hometown of Colwyn Bay, with plans to expand nationwide. James and Chanel (Image: Submitted) The Vivienne, who grew up in the seaside resort and attended Rydal Penrhos before moving to Liverpool, became a household name after winning the first series of Drag Race UK in 2019. They later made history as the only UK queen to compete on Drag Race All Stars in the US. Throughout their career, James never shied away from discussing their past ketamine addiction, using their platform to highlight its dangers and the hope of recovery. 'James brought sparkle and joy wherever they went,' said Chanel. Ty Enfys (Image: Submitted) 'But they also knew the darkness of addiction. That's why House of The Vivienne isn't just about telling people to stop - it's about meeting them where they are, without judgement, and showing them there's a way forward. 'Whether you're using, in recovery, or worried about someone you love, you are welcome here.' Ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic with legitimate medical uses, has increasingly been misused as a recreational drug, particularly among younger people. Its dangers are often underestimated, but long-term use can lead to severe bladder damage, memory problems, and in some cases, death. House of The Vivienne offers a warm, understanding space for anyone affected by addiction - whether to ketamine, alcohol, or other substances. The doors to the safe space will open every Tuesday and a listening and understanding ear will be provided. Sessions will run from 5pm–7pm. 'This is for anyone who feels alone,' Chanel added. 'James would want you to know you matter, your life matters, and there is help. "There is always hope.' For more information, email hello@ or follow the campaign on Instagram.


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A fresh lifeline for individuals battling drug and alcohol dependency has been established in tribute to beloved drag performer and television star, The Vivienne. House of The Vivienne is characterised as a "safe, inclusive space" providing free, confidential support, guidance, and empathetic listening every Tuesday at Ty Enfys (Rainbow House) in Colwyn Bay. The initiative is spearheaded by Chanel Williams, sibling of the late James Lee Williams - recognised by millions as The Vivienne - alongside her family, and has been established to commemorate James's life and their bravery in discussing their personal battles, plus their steadfast commitment to supporting others. The inaugural champion of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, James passed away in January this year aged 32, following cardiac arrest triggered by ketamine consumption. It represented a crushing blow for relatives, friends, and the LGBTQ+ community, and one that Chanel is resolved will help generate awareness and transformation. "Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK," said Chanel. "There's still a stigma around ketamine use, and that's costing lives. We want to break that stigma and create a place where people feel safe to say: I need help." Chanel and her relatives, collaborating with The Sanctuary Trust, Adferiad, and local substance misuse charities, are launching this initiative in their home town of Colwyn Bay, with ambitions to roll out across the nation. The Vivienne, who was raised in the coastal town before relocating to Liverpool, shot to fame after claiming victory in the inaugural series of Drag Race UK in 2019. They subsequently made history by becoming the sole UK contestant to feature on Drag Race All Stars across the pond. During their career, James remained candid about their former ketamine dependency, utilising their profile to expose its perils and demonstrate that rehabilitation was possible. "James brought sparkle and joy wherever they went," said Chanel. "But they also knew the darkness of addiction. That's why House of The Vivienne isn't just about telling people to stop - it's about meeting them where they are, without judgement, and showing them there's a way forward. "Whether you're using, in recovery, or worried about someone you love, you are welcome here." Ketamine, a potent anaesthetic with valid medical applications, has become increasingly abused as a recreational substance, especially amongst young people. The risks are frequently undervalued, yet prolonged consumption can result in serious bladder complications, cognitive issues, and occasionally, fatality. House of The Vivienne provides a welcoming, compassionate environment for anyone impacted by dependency - whether on ketamine, alcohol, or alternative substances. Meetings take place weekly on Tuesdays between 5pm–7pm at Ty Enfys on Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay. "This is for anyone who feels alone," Chanel added. "James would want you to know you matter, your life matters, and there is help. There is always hope." For further details, email hello@ uk or follow the campaign on Instagram.

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