Dancing On Ice launched its 2025 series with a heartfelt tribute to former celebrity contestant The Vivienne. The untimely death of the first RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner, at just 32 years old, was announced by their publicist earlier this month, sparking an outpouring of tributes from around the globe for the pioneering star.
Born James Lee Williams, The Vivienne made history in 2023 as the first drag queen to compete on the ITV series. They were paired with Colin Grafton during their stint on the show and secured third place.
Following The Vivienne’s passing, Colin honoured his late skating partner, stating: “They truly brought light into every room they entered and gave so many people hope where there was none.”
Earlier this week, the Mirror exclusively revealed that Dancing On Ice would dedicate a poignant tribute to The Vivienne’s memory. An insider shared: “The Dancing on Ice team has been rocked by the sad news. The Vivienne was a much loved contestant during their time on the show and broke ground by being the first drag artist to compete. There will be a tribute on Sundays launch, everyone’s in agreement that it’s only right to pay respects. It’s a tragic loss. Everyone working close to the show’s thoughts go out to the Vivienne’s family and friends.”
The Vivienne, originally from Wales, chose their drag name due to their fondness for wearing Vivienne Westwood attire. They had a stint as the wicked witch of the west in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical, and reprised the role at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in the West End last year, reports the Mirror.
They were scheduled to return to the stage next month, performing in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical as The Childcatcher. A representative for Cheshire Police confirmed that officers were called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.
The representative stated: “Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Following the announcement of The Vivienne’s passing on Sunday 5th January, their Dancing On Ice partner Colin shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: “I can’t believe I’m writing these words. It is with an extraordinarily heavy heart that I say goodbye to my beautiful friend and skating partner, The Vivienne.The American skater continued: “.
The American skater said: “Viv was and is a true icon in every sense of the word, and inspired thousands of people far and wide with everything they did and accomplished. They truly brought light into every room they entered, and gave so many people hope where there was none. I am truly heartbroken. What we were able to accomplish together on Dancing On Ice was truly remarkable and I know your bravery and our partnership inspired many people.”
Colin added: “I will always be so proud of what we accomplished. Viv, your spirit, strength, and kindness will always stay with me and with everyone you touched. I will forever cherish our time together on and off the ice, you will forever be my Mary Poppins. I promise to carry your memory with me in everything I do. You taught me so much about so many things, and I am eternally grateful. Your legacy lives on.”
Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse paid tribute to The Vivienne, calling them a “phenomenal entertainer” and “trailblazer”. Oti expressed how some news can be particularly jarring, saying: “some news hits you harder than others and stops you in your tracks” following the announcement of the death.
(Image: PA)
(Image: PA)
(Image: PA)