logo
Inquest into the death of The Vivienne taking place

Inquest into the death of The Vivienne taking place

Leader Live30-06-2025
James Lee Williams, who was born in North Wales and attended Rydal Penrhos school in Colwyn Bay, died at home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire, on January 5.
In March, the star's family revealed the 32-year-old had died 'from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest', saying they wanted to raise awareness about the dangers of the drug.
The inquest will be heard by senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish at Cheshire Coroner's Court in Warrington.
The Vivienne was found dead in the bathroom of their home near Chester, the opening of the inquest was told.
Police attended and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.
During their time on the show, The Vivienne admitted having been a drug addict for four years.
Speaking on the the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, they said: 'It was party, drugs, but I couldn't leave the drugs at the party, it was constant for me.'
They added that their addiction was a 'habit that caught on a bit too quick and a bit too hard'.
The 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.
They were due back on stage in March as the Childcatcher in a tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a role they first played last year.
Their funeral in Bodelwyddan was attended by RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi and Baga Chipz, along with singers Ian 'H' Watkins and Aston Merrygold and Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney.
The Government is seeking expert advice after illegal use of ketamine surged to record levels.
In the year ending March 2023, an estimated 299,000 people aged 16 to 59 had reported use of the substance, which is controlled as class B, according to the Home Office.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Wynne Evans makes shock return to BBC months after axing amid Strictly scandal
Wynne Evans makes shock return to BBC months after axing amid Strictly scandal

Daily Mirror

timea day ago

  • Daily Mirror

Wynne Evans makes shock return to BBC months after axing amid Strictly scandal

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Wynne Evans appeared on a BBC show over the weekend despite his apparent departure from the corporation earlier this year Former Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans made an unexpected appearance on a BBC show tonight. It comes after the corporation said it had "no plans" to work with him following his exit from the live tour and his radio show. ‌ Wynne, 53, however, appeared on an episode of Pointless Celebrities that aired on BBC One earlier tonight. He was paired up with Joanna Page, who was his co-star on Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea, which isn't set to have a second series as the BBC said in June that it has "no plans" to renew it. ‌ It comes following his apparent departure from the BBC earlier this year. It had been reported that it had severed ties with the opera singer, known for the Go Compare adverts, and had confirmed that it didn't plan to work with him further. ‌ The pre-recorded episode of Pointless Celebrities that aired tonight saw Wynne and Joanna make it to the penultimate round, but they missed out on reaching the final together. The other team, Jane Hill and Ben Boulos, who both work on BBC News, became the finalists instead after winning the round. They had competed against two other pairs earlier in the episode. RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard had been with impressionist Jess Robinson, whilst comedians Esther Manito and Rich Hall had worked together. Prior to the episode airing tonight, Wynne had told fans on Instagram that he would be in it. He wrote beside a photo of himself and Joanna on the set: "Tonight back on [BBC One] for Celebrity Pointless with [Joanna]." Some viewers seemed surprised to see Wynne on the show this evening. One wrote on X: "Wynne Evans? This must have been recorded 10 years ago?" Another said: "Seriously??? Who the hell thought Wynne Evans appearing would be a good idea." A third wrote on the platform though: "Well done [BBC] - Wynne on Pointless - common sense at last." It's not been confirmed when the episode was filmed. One viewer suggested it could mark Wynne's final appearance on the BBC though. They wrote in a post on X earlier tonight: "This could be Wynne Evans's last BBC appearance." ‌ The episode's broadcast this weekend comes after the BBC was said to have cut its last remaining ties with Wynne. He had worked with the corporation for years, including hosting his own BBC Radio show for almost a decade. it was announced back in May that the BBC had "no plans" to work with him in the future though. It comes following a series of scandals during his time on Strictly Come Dancing last year and its subsequent tour earlier this year. ‌ During the tour, it was reported that he had used the term 'spit roast' to host Janette Manrara at a photocall. Wynne has, however, since insisted that it was instead part of a nickname for fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick and that it "wasn't meant sexually". Wynne subsequently left the tour and his BBC Radio Wales show after the scandal broke back in January. It was said at the time that the decision had been made in agreement with the BBC and to "prioritise" Wynne's wellbeing. It was then announced in May that Wynne would not be returning to his radio show, which he had hosted since 2016. In a statement at the time, a spokesperson for the BBC said: "[Wynne] is not under contract with the BBC. He is not returning to the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales, and there are currently no plans to work with him." ‌ Whilst Wynne, who has since criticised the BBC, told fans in a statement: "It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract, so I won't be returning to my radio show. I'm gutted. That show wasn't just work - it was home. It was us. We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes. Into your hearts." He instead announced that he would host the Wynne Evans Show on other platforms. He's since launched his new weekday radio and later told his followers on social media that he had more than 40,000 listeners for the first episode. More recently, it was reported in June that the BBC had cut its last remaining ties with him. It was confirmed at the time that the corporation had "no plans" for a second series of his travel show Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea, which ran for six episodes between January and February. ‌ A source had told the Sun that the decision to not renew it "marks the end" of a relationship between Wynne and the BBC. They said: "It means that Wynne has no TV show or radio show with the Beeb, and effectively marks the end of their ­relationship." Pointless Celebrities is available on BBC iPlayer.

The beautiful gesture The Vivienne's family has made to help others
The beautiful gesture The Vivienne's family has made to help others

Wales Online

timea day ago

  • Wales Online

The beautiful gesture The Vivienne's family has made to help others

The beautiful gesture The Vivienne's family has made to help others Chanel Williams, the sister of James Lee Williams and drag star The Vivienne, said that the popular performer would 'certainly be proud' of them for supporting people with drug addiction after their death Chanel Williams, sister of drag performer The Vivienne, has launched a drug support centre in memory of the beloved star (Image: Chanel Williams) The family of much-loved drag star and TV personality The Vivienne have launched a centre to support those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction in memory of the performer. ‌ James Lee Williams, who had been open about their past struggles with addiction, died in January at the age of 32, following a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking ketamine. Their family, led by sister Chanel Williams, have launched House of The Vivienne at Ty Enfys in James' hometown of Colwyn Bay as a lifeline for those battling addiction to honour their legacy. ‌ House of The Vivienne is described as a 'safe, inclusive space' offering free, confidential advice, guidance, and compassionate listening every Tuesday at Ty Enfys (Rainbow House) in Colwyn Bay. ‌ '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.' James had been open about their past struggles with ketamine (Image: Chanel Williams) Article continues below Chanel told BBC Radio Wales that the family felt "lost" after finding out that James, who won the first-ever series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, had died as a result of ketamine but were "passionate" about continuing their legacy by creating a space of "love, support and inclusivity". She said: "We were passionate about finding a place where we could continue James' legacy and make a difference, especially around addiction and breaking down that sigma. It's about giving people a safe space where they feel able to come in and have a safe place to talk and seek advice and support - that's essentially what House of The Vivienne is." Chanel added that she hopes by setting up House of the Vivienne and talking about James' death, they will help to break down the stigma surrounding ketamine use. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here ‌ "I do believe that stigma played a part in the reasons why my brother didn't talk more about falling back into addiction and his struggles in the time before that he passed so we need to remove that stigma," she explained. 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. The Vivienne was the first winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK (Image: PA) ‌ The Vivienne, who grew up in the seaside resort before moving to Liverpool, found fame as a performer 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 and the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice. Throughout their career, James didn't away from discussing their past ketamine addiction, using their platform to highlight its dangers and the hope of recovery. 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, experts say, but long-term use can lead to severe bladder damage, memory problems, and in some cases, death. ‌ '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.' Chanel said that she believes her brother would be proud of the work they are during to raise awareness about addiciton. ‌ "I feel that The Vivienne as a trailblazing icon has left a legacy and the work that they did during their life - both my brother and The Vivienne - was always to make people smile, to help others and that continues through the House of The Vivienne. "I think I know that he would certainly be proud of myself and my parents for doing this and for helping people and continuing their legacy in this way and I hope that House of The Vivienne will make a difference." House of The Vivienne support sessions will take place every Tuesday at Ty Enfys community hub in James' hometown of Colwyn Bay (Image: Chanel Williams) Article continues below House of The Vivienne offers a warm, understanding space for anyone affected by addiction — whether to ketamine, alcohol, or other substances. Sessions run every Tuesday from 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.'

Netflix is axing DOZENS of films and TV shows next month - including legendary comedy series and beloved kids' movies
Netflix is axing DOZENS of films and TV shows next month - including legendary comedy series and beloved kids' movies

Daily Mail​

timea day ago

  • Daily Mail​

Netflix is axing DOZENS of films and TV shows next month - including legendary comedy series and beloved kids' movies

Netflix is axing a huge list of films and TV shows next month, including some legendary comedy series and beloved kids' movies. Among the casualties are the first series of A House of Blocks, Beyblade Burst Surge, Celebrity Gogglebox, Ray Winstone's Sicily, Supernatural Academy, RuPaul 's Drag Race: All Stars, RuPaul's Drag Race, and Titipo Titipo. And that's not all - Shameless fans will be devastated to learn that all 11 seasons of the hit drama are being removed. Meanwhile, the original season of RuPaul's Drag Race is also leaving the platform, much to the dismay of longtime fans. Luckily, there's still time - you've got just over two weeks to binge your favourites before they vanish. Scroll down to see if your top Netflix picks are set to disappear, and exactly how long you have to catch them. September 1, 2025 A House of Blocks (1 Season) The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) Bee Movie (2007) Beyblade Burst Surge (1 Season) Caliphate (2020) N Celebrity Gogglebox (1 Season) Costa: How Do They Do It? (2023) The Croods (2013) Darkness Falls (2003) Deliver Us from Evil (2014) Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005) The End of the Tour (2015) Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) Killers (2010) The Match (2020) N Mercy (2023) Minions (2015) TV fans will have to be quick to be able to watch family comedy Minions (2015) on the streaming service Money Monster (2016) The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) Ray Winstone's Sicily (1 Season) The Shallows (2016) Shameless US (11 Seasons) Story Time Book: Read Along (2018) Supernatural Academy (1 Season) The Singles Moms Club (2014) When the Bough Breaks (2016) September 2, 2025 Collision Course (2022) Final Fantasy XIV Dad of Light (2017) N Frida (2002) How I Became a Gangster (2020) N Sky Tour: The Movie (2020) The Unholy (2021) September 3, 2025 Ave Maryam (2018) RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars (1 Season) September 4, 2025 Breeders (3 Seasons) Kandasamys: The Wedding (2019) Prison Break (5 Seasons) RuPaul's Drag Race (1 Season) Sinister (2012) Sinister 2 (2015) September 6, 2025 The Back-Up Plan (2010) Fist Fight (2017) I Kill Giants (2017) Witch at Court (2017) September 7, 2025 80 for Brady (2023) September 8, 2025 Animal (2016) Dampyr (2022) The Shadow (2019) Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) September 10, 2025 Mohammed Ali Road (2021) Titipo Titipo (Season 1)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store