The entertainment world is mourning the death of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, with Drag Race stars and judge Michelle Visage leading tributes.

The “incredibly loved” drag and West End star died aged 32 over the weekend, their publicist has confirmed in a post on social media.

Michelle Visage described Williams as a “beacon to so many” in a moving tribute on Instagram, sharing photos of the pair together.

“Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK.

“You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many,” she added.

“Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely.”

“This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world. Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally,” wrote Drag Race UK vs. The World winner Tia Kofi. 

“She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv.”

This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world. Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv

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