Reports have emerged today suggesting RuPaul is deeply affected by the passing of The Vivienne, to the extent that he’s “seriously considering” stepping down from his hosting role on the hit show. The 64 year old host paid his respects to The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, following their untimely death at the age of 32 over the weekend.
In a heartfelt statement, Ru said: “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of the Vivienne – an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.” The Vivienne, who had risen to fame as one of the standout performers on RuPaul’s Drag Race – the BBC reality show where participants vie to be crowned RuPaul’s “superstar” – clinched the crown in the inaugural UK season back in 2019.
Their sudden death has reportedly left Ru devastated and thrown his continued involvement with the TV series into question. The show has been broadcasting on the BBC for half a decade after achieving widespread acclaim in the States.
Read more Russell Howard quits TV after 19 years and says why in bombshell statement
An insider disclosed: “This has come like a bolt out of the blue for Ru. The Vivienne was one of his brightest stars and everyone knows what a soft spot he had for them. He has been left absolutely devastated by their passing and is now weighing up his own future.
“Ru is now seriously considering standing down from hosting the UK franchise, which will always be associated with The Viv.”, reports the Mirror.
Hailing from San Diego, California, Ru stayed silent on the tragedy for a whole day before posting an emotional tribute on Instagram. Amidst the flurry of tributes that came in, including affecting messages from singer Michelle Visage and Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, many noticed the drag legend’s initial absence.
RuPaul has reportedly decided to step back from the UK version of his hit show, with insiders telling Mail Online that he’s ready to hand over the reins to co-hosts Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, and Graham Norton. Fans are left wondering about the future of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ without its iconic host.
The Vivienne, who was born James Lee Williams in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, rose to fame after falling in love with RuPaul’s talent show which started in the US in 2009. The Vivienne, named after a passion for Vivienne Westwood fashion, crafted a persona while performing in Gran Canaria’s bars.
Winning the first UK series of RuPaul’s Drag Race and returning for the seventh season of All Stars in 2022, The Vivienne became known for a blend of blunt honesty, sharp wit, and a spot-on Donald Trump impression. Tragically, on Sunday, Williams’s father discovered him unresponsive at their home.
Cheshire Police were called to the scene in Chorlton-by-Backford at 12.22pm and later confirmed there were “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the incident.