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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC announce emotional tribute to The Vivienne – seven months after death
The BBC have announced that they are set to honour late Drag Race legend The Vivienne just months after the telly star tragically died aged 32 The Vivienne will be honoured in a special BBC programme, seven months after they died. The RuPaul's Drag Race UK legend tragically died aged 32 in January this year, following a cardiac arrest due to ketamine use. Now, seven months after the death of the Colwyn Bay-born star, the BBC have announced a special show, Dear Viv, to pay tribute. The Vivenne became the first star to win the UK edition of the programme in 2019, instantly becoming a fan favourite across the globe. The project, which has the full backing of The Viv's friends and family, will celebrate their journey from North Wales and Liverpool to the international stage. The film will delve into archive interviews, family photographs, family videos and unseen behind-the-scenes clips taken from the Drag Race archive. Elsewhere, it will also follow The Vivenne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, as a young child and their rise to becoming one of the UK's most famous drag queens, including their experience on Dancing On Ice and becoming the first-ever winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars and their journey to West End fame as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz. James' parents and sister also share a touching tribute, alongside friends including Baga Chipz, Danny Beard, Tia Kofi, Cheryl Hole, and Trinity Truck. In the project, The Vivenne was described as a "world-class entertainer" and "an inspiration, mentor, and a teacher." But it will also touch on The Vivienne 's struggles with ketamine addiction. Chanel Williams, James' sister, has since become a campaigner and raises awareness around the dangers of the drug, which is a Class B substance in the UK. Speaking about the production, Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three, said: "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." Meanwhile, Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, co-founders of production firm World of Wonder, which also produces Drag Race 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." On January 6, officers from Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, on the previous day following reports of a sudden death. A coroner ruled that on the balance of probabilities, it is likely that The Vivienne died on the Friday and was not found and pronounced until the Sunday.
Metro
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The Vivienne inquest confirms star was 'found by neighbour' two days after death
The Vivienne was found by a neighbour in their bathtub after being dead 'for a couple of days', an inquest has heard The RuPaul's Drag Race UK star, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died aged 32 at home in Cheshire on January 5 this year, with her family revealing two months later that she died 'from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest'. An inquest on Monday morning heard that the star had been lying dead in the water for 'a couple of days' by the time she was found. A forensic toxicologist added that there was a 'relatively high' level of ketamine in their system, which suggested 'moderate to excessive use' of the drug before their death, as reported by the Liverpool Echo. The inquest was heard by senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish at Cheshire Coroner's Court in Warrington, who said: '[Williams]did a lot for his community and he made a name for himself as a performing artist and as a drag artist as The Vivienne. 'His family say he was very bold in pursuit of his dreams and that he made a difference… It is very important to the family that James is not remembered for his use of ketamine, because drugs don't define the person he was.' The coroner added: 'On the balance of probabilities, I am satisfied that James Lee Williams' death was a misadventure. He took ketamine but he did not intend to end his own life.' The Vivienne was found dead in the bathroom of their home near Chester, the opening of the inquest was told, while police attended and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. During their time on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, The Vivienne opened up about their struggles with drug addiction. The star, who was the show's first ever winner in 2019, said on the programme at the time: '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 Government is seeking expert advice after illegal use of ketamine surged to record levels. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 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. The Vienne's funeral in North Wales was attended by RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi and Baga Chipz, as well as Steps star Ian 'H' Watkins, JLS singer Aston Merrygold, and Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney. More Trending After rising to fame on the BBC show, The Vivienne performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical. Last year, they reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, and before their death they were set to return to stage in March, reprising their role as the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In February, The Vivienne was honoured with an icon award at the inaugural Metro Pride Awards. View More » During the ceremony, Drag Race UK stars performed a sensational tribute to The Vivienne, lip-syncing to Dead or Alive's You Spin Me Round (Like a Record), one of their favourite songs and choreographed by Cheryl The Queen. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: I've made stupid decisions – this is the advice I'd give my teenage self MORE: Drag Race star Kitty Scott-Claus reveals surprising way Supreme Court trans ruling affects drag queens
