The cast of Emmerdale has paid tribute to The Vivienne following the star’s death.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner passed away at age 32 this past weekend.
In 2021, The Vivienne – known as James Lee Williams outside of drag – appeared on a
special episode of the ITV soap for their Pride storyline. After the sad news of their death, some Emmerdale actors have taken to social media to share their memories of the drag star.
Emmerdale‘s Natalie Ann Jamieson, who portrays Amy Barton, posted a snap from set with The Vivienne, writing: “I can’t believe what I’m reading! Rest in peace you gorgeous soul.”
“So sad to hear @thevivienne_. Such a nice person and far too young!” Ash Palmisciano, who plays Amy’s husband Matty Barton, wrote. “Feel very lucky I got to meet you. Rest in peace lovely soul.”
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: “Feeling v[ery] sad. Lovely person gone too soon.”
Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, posted a photo of Williams out of drag to her feed, writing: “You incredible human…..rest in peace. Never stop shining your beautiful light over us all.
“Love and strength to all your family. We will miss you so much.”
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Ahead of their appearance on the soap for its Pride storyline in 2021, producer Kate Brooks said that The Vivienne would “add a dash of her own inimitable wit and fabulousness to the show”.
The Vivienne’s publicist and friend Simon Jones announced their death on the evening of January 5.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” he wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
