Who was The Vivienne’s ex-husband? Inside the Drag Race UK star’s ‘whirlwind’ relationship with wig maker David Paul Ludford after he paid tribute following their shock death
Drag Race UK star The Vivienne passed away over the weekend aged 32, their publicist announced.
The performer rose to prominence on the first series of the UK version of Ru Paul’s Drag Race in 2019 and went on to make numerous TV appearances in the years that followed, including competing on Dancing On Ice.
But just weeks after coming third on the skating show in 2023, The Vivienne went through a major life change when they separated from her husband David Paul Ludford.
The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, and their ex shared a love for drag, as David owns of a company which makes and sells wigs for drag queens, named Drag Helmet.
The pair sparked their romance in 2017 before tying the knot in 2019 in a lavish flower-filled ceremony at G-A-Y’s Heaven nightclub in London – and were the first couple to tie the knot at the the venue after it was granted permission to host weddings that same year.
But after nearly six years together, the pair went their separate ways in 2023 as they said ‘life got in the way’ of their relationship.
Drag Race UK star The Vivienne passed away over the weekend aged 32, their publicist announced (Pictured with ex-husband David Ludford)
Jjust weeks after coming third on Dancing On Ice in 2023, The Vivienne went through a major life change when they separated from her husband David
When the couple split in 2023, they told MailOnline: ‘As many may have noticed, David and I have been apart recently. We have made the decision to part ways after an amazing 5 and half years.
‘We are still very much friends, but sometimes life gets in the way and people grow apart.
‘We wish each the absolute best and will always be part of each other’s lives. We’d ask that you please respect our privacy at this time. Thank you. James and David’.
And the news of The Vivienne’s passing ‘sank David’s heart’ as he issued an emotional tribute to Instagram on Sunday.
Accompanying an array of snaps from their wedding day, he wrote: ‘My heart literally sank when I got the call. Never in a million years did I ever think I’d ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams.
‘This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria!! We literally clicked straight away and we knew we was going to be together for along time!! He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone.
‘We literally went through and did so much together it was like a whirlwind and I wouldn’t have changed the time we spent together for anything In The world!!!
‘I feel like a tit feeling this upset and hurt because we have been fully divorced for just over a year now but we was togteher 6 year and we loved each other so much and you can’t take away.
The performer rose to prominence on the first series of the UK version of Ru Paul’s Drag Race in 2019 and went on to make numerous TV appearances in the years that followed, including competing on Dancing On Ice
The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, and their ex shared a love for drag, as David owns of a company which makes and sells wigs for drag queens, named Drag Helmet
The pair sparked their romance in 2017 before tying the knot in 2019 in a lavish flower-filled ceremony at G-A-Y’s Heaven nightclub in London
The former couple were the first couple to tie the knot at the the venue after it was granted permission to host weddings that same year
‘I’m so happy to say I not only met you but we was together, we was husbands and you was the biggest part of my life [sic] for such a long time.
‘6 years is such a long time to spend 24/7 with. You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel.’
News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced across social media on Sunday evening – with tributes pouring in for the star. A cause is yet to be established.
Confirming the news on Instagram, The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones wrote: ‘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, warmhearted 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.
And the news of The Vivienne’s passing ‘sank David’s heart’ as he issued an emotional tribute to Instagram on Sunday
News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced across social media on Sunday evening – with tributes pouring in for the star. A cause is yet to be established
The Vivienne is pictured on their last TV appearance which aired just days before their death
‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’
He continued: ‘These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much.
‘From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh as much in my life as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.
‘I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life everyday for the last five years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in.
‘I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.’
