Lorraine Kelly has issued an emotional plea over the death of The Vivienne after the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star’s tragic death aged 32 was announced over the weekend
Lorraine Kelly has shared a heartfelt tribute following the devastating news of The Vivienne’s death at just 32 years old. The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner, born James Lee Williams, sadly passed away over the weekend in Chorlton-by-Backford, with police stating there were “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the death.
The ITV host, who had interviewed The Vivienne several times since her Drag Race victory, expressed her shock on Monday’s Lorraine show with Tyler West, saying: “This is really sad news, I was really shocked by this.”
She continued, “I got this news really late last night and there are some things that really make you go, ‘What?’ It’s so sad,” while remembering The Vivienne as a “funny and whip-smart” individual. Lorraine also extended her thoughts to those close to The Vivienne: “My thoughts are with everybody who knew The Vivienne and loved The Vivienne.”
Additionally, she called for an end to speculation about the cause of death, emphasizing respect for the grieving process: “Police have said no suspicious circumstances, we don’t know anymore than that,” and concluded, “We should just leave it and let people grieve and remember – hopefully with a smile – what a force of nature [they were].”
Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne has sadly passed away, their publicist and close friend Simon Jones announced on Sunday. He shared a heartfelt statement on X, saying: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.”, reports the Mirror.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm- hearted and amazing person. 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 will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
Simon later paid a touching tribute to The Vivienne in a follow-up post, revealing the close bond they shared. “These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close 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,” he said. “Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.”
“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”