Emmerdale cast have paid tribute to drag queen The Vivienne following their death aged 32.
The performer – whose real name was James Lee Williams – found fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race and won the first UK series in 2019.
Publicist Simon Jones confirmed the sad news of their death via Instagram yesterday, writing in a statement: ‘It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
‘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.’
The message concluded: ‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’
The Vivienne’s other endeavours included competing in iceskating reality series Dancing on Ice, a recent festive edition of Blankety Blank and stage roles as the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz and The Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
In 2021, they also appeared in a special episode of Emmerdale.
Arriving in the dales to mark the village’s first ever Pride celebrations, The Viv was seen to open the main stage before chatting with locals.
At the time, then-producer Kate Brooks said: ‘We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome The Vivienne to Emmerdale to help our villagers celebrate this year’s Pride event in style.
‘The Vivienne will add a dash of her own inimitable wit and fabulousness to the show and will certainly raise a few eyebrows in the process.’
A self-confessed soap fan, it seemed they made quite an impression on cast members during their brief guest appearance.
Paying tribute last night, Matty Barton star Ash Palmisciano wrote on social media: ‘So sad to hear @thevivienne_. Such a nice person and far too young!
‘Feel very lucky I got to meet you. Rest in peace lovely soul.’
Ash’s on-screen wife Natalie Ann Jamieson, who plays Amy Barton penned: ‘I can’t believe what I’m reading! Rest in peace you gorgeous soul.’
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: ‘Feeling v[ery] sad. Lovely person gone too soon.’
Upon The Vivienne’s casting 3 years ago, they admitted that Lisa’s character was their favourite: ‘She is just an absolute style icon. I want to be Mandy Dingle when I’m older.’
Emotional messages from across the entertainment world continue to flood in, with EastEnders’ Patsy Palmer in disbelief, commenting: ‘‘Hang on What ???????’
‘Speechless. James was a joy. What a loss x’, added Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton.
