Drag Race judge Michelle Visage leads tributes to ‘her angel’ The Vivienne alongside heartbroken Perrie Edwards and Ashley Roberts following the entertainer’s shock death aged 32

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK judge Michelle Visage joined Perrie Edwards and Ashley Roberts in leading leading tributes to The Vivienne, who won the UK series of the show in 2019, following their tragic deaths at the age of 32.

News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced on social media on Sunday. A cause has yet to be determined.

Michelle shared photos of herself next to Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, and wrote a heartfelt tribute to ‘her angel’.

She wrote: ‘Heartbreaking, I don’t know how to say how I feel. My dear @thevivienne, who we go back to when I came here to Britain. You were always there, always smiling, always giving, always sharp.’

‘Your laugh, your humor, your talent, your drag. I loved everything, but most of all I loved your friendship. You were a beacon to many. It was amazing for me to see you make your West End debut and watch your dream come true before my eyes.”

‘I’m the lucky one to have known you and laughed with you so often. I love you, my dear. You will be so missed my love. May your light shine brightly, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high’.

The news was announced in a statement from The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones on Instagram, to which Little Mix’s Perrie replied with a series of broken heart emojis.

Meanwhile, Pussycat Doll star Ashley reshared the statement, saying: ‘This is devastating news, absolutely horrifying, RIP Queen Viv.’

She later captioned a photo of herself and The Vivienne in happier times, writing, “The world has lost an angel, rest in peace.”

X Factor and Union J star Jaymi Hensley shared his own tribute, asking late fiancée Olly Marmon to welcome their friend to heaven in a heartbreaking post.

Oliver, 33, died after plummeting from the third floor of a three-star Hind Hotel in Wellingborough, Northampton, on August 12, just weeks before his wedding to Jaymi.

The singer wrote: ‘I actually can’t believe this! When we took this photo, we didn’t know it would only be the three of us. my love @ollymarmon, welcome our beautiful James @thevivienne_ to heaven!’

‘Take care of each other, this is too much for my heart to handle! The scale of better people up there than here has really changed now.

Dancing on Ice’s Oti Mabuse, who judged The Vivienne as a contestant at the 2023, shared her own heartfelt tribute.

‘Some news hits you harder than others and holds you back. I absolutely loved the Viv. A beautiful person’.

She continued: ‘Funny, kind, a pioneer, creative and so warm. You were such an asset to Dancing On Ice, one of the best on Drag Race and just a phenomenal entertainer on screen and in theatre. Rest in peace’.

Vivienne’s Dancing On Ice co-star Claire Sweeney wrote: ‘Devastating news RIP The Vivienne, beautiful inside and out.’

Fellow DOI star Adele Roberts also paid her respects: “Absolutely heartbroken. Thinking of The Vivienne’s family, friends and loved ones. Gone way too fast. Rest in paradise Queen’.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said: ‘The Vivienne, James Lee Williams (1992-2025). We met a few times and chatted online, he was absolutely delightful.’

“I expected a lot of drag queen whining and whining, but he was much more than that: kinder and more thoughtful and sparkling with clever observations. And what a talent! About to graduate to West End stardom. What a world. Night, darling.

Confirming the news on Instagram, Simon Jones, publicist for The Vivienne, wrote: ‘It is with immense sadness that we let you know that our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne – passed away this weekend.

“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and wonderful person. Their family is heartbroken over the loss of their son, brother and uncle.

“They are so proud of the wonderful things James has achieved in their lives and careers. We will not release any further details.

“We please ask that James’ family be given the time and privacy they need at this time to process and grieve.”

He continued, “These are words I never wanted to write. Viv was a good friend, a client and someone I loved very much.

“From the moment I met them in 2019, I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought into every room was astonishing. No one in my life has ever made me laugh as much as Viv. Their comedic brilliance and quick wit were like no other.

“I’m so proud and happy that Viv has been such a big part of my life every day for the past five years. Tragically, their careers were just beginning. In musical theater, Viv had found a space and career that they loved, excelled in, and thrived in.

‘I am heartbroken and devastated by this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”

The Vivienne was named because they were known for wearing designer Vivienne Westwood and later were one of ten contestants selected to compete in the first series of Drag Race when it traveled across the pond.

Following their win, The Vivienne hosted an online chat show where celebrities joined her to chat about the show’s series before venturing into musical theatre. The artist recently presented a Christmas party show on BBC Radio Wales.