Inside Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne’s final TV performance which aired just days before their tragic death aged 32

Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne made their final TV appearance in Clothy Blank just days before her shocking death at the age of 32.

The drag artist, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died this weekend, their publicist Simon Jones announced on Sunday.

Just days before their tragic deaths, The Vivienne made their final TV appearance in the Christmas special of the BBC’s reboot of Carpety Blank, presented by Bradley Walsh, which aired on Boxing Day.

In the pre-recorded episode, The Vivienne joined Jonathan Ross, Oti Mabuse, Jane McDonald, Joel Dommett and Sara Pascoe.

The star’s quick wit was in full effect as they fired off hilarious replies to Bradley – before joking about their thoughts on the holidays.

“Christmas is taking too long,” they joked. ‘You get up and start drinking at eight o’clock, well that’s what I do too. I want to be doused by the time I’m cooking, so if things go wrong you can say, “Sorry, I’m doused.”‘

The drag artist, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died this weekend, their publicist Simon Jones announced on Sunday

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

Tributes poured in for the star, who was born in Wales, including from their ex-husband David Lufton, as well as Drag Race judge Michelle Visage and co-star Tia Kofi as they shared their heartbreak at their deaths.

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.

In the pre-recorded episode, The Vivienne joined Jonathan Ross, Oti Mabuse, Jane McDonald, Joel Dommett and Sara Pascoe

The star’s quick wit was in full force as they fired off hilarious replies to Bradley – before joking about their thoughts on the holidays

News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced on social media on Sunday

Simon Jones PR confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: ‘It is with immense sadness that we let you know that our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, passed away this weekend’

“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.

Tributes poured in for the performer, with Drag Race UK vs The World winner Tia Kofi writing: ‘This is an incredible loss for the British drag community and for the world. Viv represented British drag at its very best on stage and internationally.

“She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be deeply felt by all of us. I love you Viv.’

The Vivienne can be seen at the press evening of The Wizard of Oz in 2023

Meanwhile, Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared photos of her and The Vivienne together on Instagram with the caption: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel.

‘My love @thevivienne_ 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 am the lucky one to have known and laughed with you so many times.

‘I love you my love. You will be too