The former husband of the late Drag Race UK star The Vivienne has shared a touching tribute after they passed away aged 32.
Publicist Simon Jones announced on Sunday (5 January) that the star – real name James Lee Williams – had passed away over the weekend.
Tributes have been pouring in for the popular drag queen on social media, which have been led by the likes of Michelle Visage, who said she has been left ‘heartbroken’ by the news.
The Vivienne has died at the age of 32 (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
The Vivienne – who’s drag name was inspired by their love of Vivienne Westwood clothing – gained a legion of fans across the world after winning the first season of RuPaul’s hit series in the UK in 2019.
The 32-year-old, who also came third in Dancing on Ice in 2023, was described as an ‘incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person’ by Jones.
In an Instagram post, the publicist said: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“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 please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
Cheshire Police issued a statement on Monday (6 January), explaining they were called to an address near Chester on Sunday and that there were ‘no suspicious circumstances’.
“A file will be prepared for the coroner,” it added, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The Vivienne got hitched to David Ludford in 2019 before announcing their split in 2023 (Instagram/@d.ludford)
Shortly after the news of The Vivienne’s death broke, their ex-husband shared a poignant post addressing the Welsh star’s sudden passing on social media.
David Ludford – who was in a relationship with the reality TV star for six years – shared an emotional statement on Instagram on Sunday evening.
The pair got hitched in December 2019 at London‘s iconic gay club, Heaven, making them the first couple to ever get married at the venue.
Ludford, who runs a wig company called Drag Helmet, explained that they had ‘been fully divorced for just over a year’.
The heartbreaking post read: “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,” Ludford continued. “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!
The couple were together for almost six years in total (Instagram/@d.ludford)
“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 together 6 year and we loved each other so much and you can’t take away.
“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 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,” Ludford added. “Sleep tight angel.”
Ludford also shared a series of images of The Vivienne to his page, including snaps from their wedding.
The Vivienne informed fans that they had split amicably in April 2023, explaining that they had ‘grown apart’ but still ‘wish the best’ for each other.
They explained in an Instagram post: “As many may have noticed, David and I have been apart recently. We have made the decision to part ways after an amazing five and a 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 others lives. We’d ask that you please respect our privacy at this time. Thank you. James and David.”
Former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne sadly died this weekend, and they shared a significant final post online in the days before their death.
James Lee Williams – who was known best as their drag name The Vivienne, which came from their love for the late fashion designer Vivienne Westwood – was crowned the first ‘Drag Superstar’ on the first season of the British version of the TV show in 2019.
A leading figure in the British drag scene, The Vivienne, 32, was confirmed to have died by friend and publicist Simon Jones on Sunday (5 January).
The Vivienne (centre) was a huge part of the British drag community and the UK edition of RuPaul’s Drag Race (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
He took to social media to write 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. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve,” Jones concluded.
Prior to The Vivienne’s passing, the performer shared an Instagram post to fans, urging them to donate to SAHIR, Liverpool’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ and HIV charity.
They wrote: “Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpools oldest LGBT+ charity!!! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won’t miss it.”
Following the announcement of the drag star’s passing, a number of celebrities have shared their condolences online, as Michelle Visage posted photos of her with The Vivienne, writing alongside it: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.”
Visage continued, saying: “Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.
“Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.
“I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
Jones later wrote a follow-up post, adding that he ‘never ever’ wanted to write this, adding: “From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager.
The Vivienne was a well-loved figure in the drag community (Lia Toby/Getty Images)
“Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.”
Sadly saying that their career ‘was only just beginning’ and that they had a passion for musical theatre, he concluded: “I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”
Alongside their stint on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, the performer had a huge range of accomplishments, including competing in a one-day drag event in front of RuPaul, Katie Price, and Jonathan Ross, and later being given the title of UK Ambassador for RuPaul’s Drag Race.
They also came in third place on Dancing on Ice in 2023, as well as starring in a number of theatre shows – the most recent being as the Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of The Wizard of Oz musical.
A newlywed has issued a heartbreaking statement after her husband tragically died during their honeymoon in Bali.
South Australian man Jacob Vennix, 32, and his wife, Kimberley Fuller, 38, had only been married for nine days when tragedy struck on Monday (30 December).
The pair were celebrating their honeymoon at Pasut Beach, around 30km west of Denpasar, when the incident took place.
Jacob Vennix, 32 and his wife, Kimberley Fuller, 38, tied the knot last month (Facebook/Kimberley Fuller)
Vennix, a father-of-two from Adelaide, was swept out to sea by a freak wave and couldn’t be revived when his body returned to shore at 3.50pm local time.
In a video posted online, it shows Fuller trying to get people’s attention to help her husband, attempting to enter the water to reach him.
Taking to Facebook on New Year’s Eve, the widow shared the last photo the pair took together, an image of their hands together.
“I took this photo during the last night I had with him,” she wrote.
The widow has issued a heartbreaking statement following the incident in Bali (Facebook/Kimberley Fuller)
“He was the most beautiful human, partner and father.
“All he wanted was to marry me and love and look after me and the boys.
“I will make sure the boys know what an angel he was.
“Now an angel in heaven. I love you my darling. I’m so sorry.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has offered her condolences, adding: “I am heartbroken for Mr Vennix’s wife and loved ones, and offer my deepest sympathies.
“I know all Australians will be thinking of them.
The pair had only been married for nine days (Facebook/Kimberley Fuller)
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our consular officials in Bali will continue to provide consular assistance.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also wrote on social media: “This is such deeply sad news.
“Our thoughts are with Jacob’s wife, family and friends.”
Tabanan Police spokesperson I Gusti Made Berata sadly revealed that a local fisherman had also died while trying to rescue Vennix.
He was in his boat and managed to get Vennix on board, before a large wave flipped the vessel on its head.
“Some locals and the victim’s wife who were waiting on the beach immediately tried to save the victim,” the spokesperson said.
“The victim’s condition was unconscious.”
Berata said that he was rushed to Tabanan Public Hospital where he died.
“They are swimming on the estuary area, right in front of the entry access into Pasut Beach,” he added.
“The estuary area is the meeting point of current from different direction.”
In a heartbreaking post a day before the incident, Vennix said he couldn’t ‘be prouder’ to be married to his ‘stunning wife’.
Christine McGuinness has explained why she ‘won’t marry again’ following the split from her ex-husband.
The model and Paddy McGuinness called time on their relationship back in 2022 after 11 years of marriage. But despite the pair no longer being together, they continue to live in the same home as they co-parent their three kids.
While the Top Gear host recently revealed he will be discussing their divorce during his upcoming stand-up shows, Christine has shared that she’s ready to find love again.
The 36-year-old said that being in a relationship is an ‘amazing, magical thing to have in your life’.
Christine won’t be walking down the aisle again. (Dave Benett/Getty Images)
She told Closer magazine: “Anyone that I’ve ever dated or had a relationship with – even in my teenage years – I was friends with them first, and then it developed into a relationship, and that was the situation with my ex-husband. We knew each other for a while beforehand.”
Christine then explained that this is the first time she’s been ‘completely on her own’ and has ‘time for herself’ which she describes as ‘limited’.
“I don’t know if I could offer enough to somebody to be in a relationship right now, and it’s not that I don’t want to,” she added.
But she is open to finding love because she knows she ‘deserves’ it.
However, the mum-of-three did say: “I think [getting married again] is something I would definitely rule out. I’ve done that, I had the big white wedding, and I was married for 15 years.
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Paddy and Christine McGuinness announced their split in 2022. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
“It’s not something I’m in any rush to do. I only want to get married once, and I’ve done that. If I get love again in my life, I’ll be really happy with that – I don’t need anything more.”
While another wedding seems to be off the cards, she does seem a little unsure on being in a relationship altogether. And to be fair, the woman does sound pretty busy.
“I think love is a blessing and you should count that blessing, but I don’t feel I could give enough to somebody for that to be a relationship, because I’m at home with my three children most of the time, and if I’m not at home – I’m at work, or a charity event,” she added.
Christine previously admitted the divorce from Paddy was ‘difficult’ as she said last year hadn’t ‘been easy’ and planned to enter 2024 with a ‘bang’ and focusing on the ‘positives’.
Cheryl has shared a heartfelt tribute to her former partner Liam Payne after he passed away aged 31 in Argentina.
Police in Buenos Aires, Argentina confirmed the former One Direction singer had died after falling from a balcony at his hotel in the Argentinian capital on 16 October.
A preliminary post-mortem would later reveal that Payne had died from ‘internal and external haemorrhaging’ from injuries sustained from the fall.
His ex-girlfriend Cheryl has since shared a tribute to the singer, whom she shares a seven-year-old son with.
The pair were introduced on the X Factor (David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The ‘Fight for this Love’ singer took to Instagram to share her tribute, which featured a photograph of Payne with their son Bear as an infant, alongside a plea to fans to refrain from sharing any speculation about the singer’s death.
“As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” she began.
“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.
“What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.
“I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to rad them.
“Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.
“Thank you, Cheryl.”
The pair were first introduced on ITV singing series X Factor, where he first auditioned as a teenager before being added to boyband One Direction, going on to enter into a romantic relationship in February 2016.
Payne had travelled to Argentina to watch his former bandmate Niall Horan (Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage)
In 2017, the couple welcomed their only child together, a son named Bear Grey Payne.
Payne remained an active presence in Bear’s life after he and Cheryl separated, with the singer referring to Bear as his ‘mini me’ in his final public comments about his son.
Cheryl’s statement follows tributes from Payne’s former One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Horan, as well as a post from X Factor boss and former 1D manager Simon Cowell, as well as his current partner Kate Cassidy.
Payne’s family have also issued a statement in the wake of his death, which reads: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
