David Ludford honors his late ex-husband The Vivienne, sharing heartfelt memories after the drag star’s untimely passing
Colwyn Bay: The news of The Vivienne’s passing has hit hard. David Ludford, the drag artist’s ex-husband, took to social media to express his heartbreak. He called The Vivienne an “angel” and shared how shattered he felt.
The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was just 32 when he passed away. He made history as the first winner of the UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2019. Originally from Colwyn Bay, he moved to Liverpool at 16 and quickly became a beloved figure in the drag scene.
His career took off after the show, leading to appearances in various series, including Morning T&T and The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood. He even made history as the first drag performer on Dancing on Ice.
On January 5, the news broke, and it was confirmed by his publicist, who shared a heartfelt statement about James’s warm spirit and the love his family had for him. They asked for privacy as they grieved.
Tributes have been pouring in from fans and fellow performers alike. Oti Mabuse, a judge on Dancing on Ice, remembered him as a phenomenal entertainer. Jinkx Monsoon, another Drag Race winner, also shared how The Vivienne left a mark on their hearts.
David Ludford, who was married to The Vivienne for a few years, shared his own emotional tribute. They met in 2017 and married in 2019, but separated in April 2023. In his post, David expressed how much The Vivienne changed his life and how deeply he felt the loss.
He reminisced about their whirlwind six years together, saying, “He made me feel love.” David reflected on their time as husbands and how that bond will always hold a special place in his heart. He ended his tribute with a heartfelt goodbye, saying he would miss The Vivienne more than anyone could know.
