Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@d.ludford
Topics: Celebrity, LGBTQ, Sex and Relationships, The Vivienne
Olivia Burke
Topics: Celebrity, LGBTQ, Sex and Relationships, The Vivienne
The former husband of the late Drag Race UK star The Vivienne has shared a touching tribute after they passed away aged 32.
Publicist Simon Jones announced on Sunday (5 January) that the star - real name James Lee Williams - had passed away over the weekend.
Tributes have been pouring in for the popular drag queen on social media, which have been led by the likes of Michelle Visage, who said she has been left 'heartbroken' by the news.
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The Vivienne - who's drag name was inspired by their love of Vivienne Westwood clothing - gained a legion of fans across the world after winning the first season of RuPaul's hit series in the UK in 2019.
The 32-year-old, who also came third in Dancing on Ice in 2023, was described as an 'incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person' by Jones.
In an Instagram post, the publicist said: "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.
“We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve."
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Cheshire Police issued a statement on Monday (6 January), explaining they were called to an address near Chester on Sunday and that there were 'no suspicious circumstances'.
"A file will be prepared for the coroner," it added, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Shortly after the news of The Vivienne's death broke, their ex-husband shared a poignant post addressing the Welsh star's sudden passing on social media.
David Ludford - who was in a relationship with the reality TV star for six years - shared an emotional statement on Instagram on Sunday evening.
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The pair got hitched in December 2019 at London's iconic gay club, Heaven, making them the first couple to ever get married at the venue.
Ludford, who runs a wig company called Drag Helmet, explained that they had 'been fully divorced for just over a year'.
The heartbreaking post read: "My heart literally sank when I got the call. Never in a million years did I ever think I'd ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams.
"This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria! We literally clicked straight away and we knew we was going to be together for along time!
"He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone," Ludford continued. "We literally went through and did so much together it was like a whirlwind and I wouldn't have changed the time we spent together for anything in the world!
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"I feel like a tit feeling this upset and hurt because we have been fully divorced for just over a year now but we was together 6 year and we loved each other so much and you can't take away.
"I'm so happy to say I not only met you but we was together, we was husbands and you was the biggest part of my life for such a long time. 6 years is such a long time to spend 24/7 with. You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know," Ludford added. "Sleep tight angel."
Ludford also shared a series of images of The Vivienne to his page, including snaps from their wedding.
The Vivienne informed fans that they had split amicably in April 2023, explaining that they had 'grown apart' but still 'wish the best' for each other.
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They explained in an Instagram post: "As many may have noticed, David and I have been apart recently. We have made the decision to part ways after an amazing five and a half years. We are still very much friends, but sometimes life gets in the way and people grow apart.
"We wish each the absolute best and will always be part of each others lives. We'd ask that you please respect our privacy at this time. Thank you. James and David."