Tributes are flooding in for The Vivienne, drag artist and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, after their sudden death at the age of just 32.
The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, died at the weekend, their public relations representative shared with an emotional tribute.
As well as winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne also finished in third place in Dancing On Ice in 2023.
They’d also recently added West End star to their impressive CV, with a role as The Child Catcher in the touring theatre production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which comes to Manchester in March.
Tributes are now flooding in for the star, who is being described as ‘a beacon’ with an ‘immense talent’.
ADVERTISEMENT
Announcing the new of their death, Simon Jones PR 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.”
Tributes pour in after RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne dies aged 32. Credit: BBC
In a later tribute to The Vivienne, Simon added: “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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.
“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 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.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge and producer Michelle Visage said: “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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.”
Danny Beard is among those paying tribute to The Vivienne. Credit: Instagram, Danny Beard
Fellow RuPaul star Danny Beard wrote: “We’ve lost a friend, all of us. Viv was a proper entertainer, she made people she didn’t know feel like they were seen. I’ve always admired that in her. She connected with people and that’s something you can’t buy.
“She was one of the most passionate, talented, geeky, girls I’ve ever known. When you worked with her you knew she was gonna show up and do the job like a pro and while you’re both there you’d be laughing your tits off!
ADVERTISEMENT
“Her love for creating characters wasn’t just what we all saw on TV or on stage! When you’re with Viv she’s creating them all the time! Always doing a bit, or a voice, and it made for the best fucking time. HOWLING!
“There’s a piece missing now. See ya girl!!”
The BBC said in a statement: “We are currently processing the deeply sad news of the passing of James Lee Williams, known to many as The Vivienne. We are fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements, including winning the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Right now our thoughts are with their family and friends, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many fans.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race official account shared: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration.
“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”
The full lineup and extensive programme for Manchester Film Festival 2026 has been revealed
Danny Jones
The full lineup for this year’s Manchester Film Festival (MFF) is now out, with some well-known names and hotly anticipated projects set to be screened this year.
MMF 2026 looks to be one of the most extensive and exciting projects yet; spread across multiple venues once again, we can’t wait for the city go full-on cinephile.
With 52 feature films on the roster, including nine UK debuts and eight fully-fledged world premieres, this is going to be well and truly blockbuster – pun intended.
Yeah, Cannes, Venice and Toronto are cool, but having one right on your doorstep is way better.
The MFF26 programme is LIVE!
Featuring some of the best and boldest new cinema from the UK and around the world, book your tickets now to Manchester's biggest celebration of cinema https://t.co/6eRXJpkwmvpic.twitter.com/arIVqxl51k
Returning this coming March and spread over the course of 11 days, the latest edition of Manchester Film Festival is the biggest the city centre has seen to date.
Featuring everything from locally made short films from Greater Manchester and the wider North West, to bigger but still ‘small’ budget independent movies, there’s something for everyone.
Obviously, indie flicks are the lifeblood of this event, but there’s still plenty of A-listers connected to MFF26. For instance…
Actors featured this year:
Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling, Vicky Krieps and Cate Blanchett (Father Mother Sister Brother)
Angelina Jolie (Couture)
Callum Turner and George Mackay (Rose of Nevada)
Charli XCX (Erupcja)
Jason Isaacs (Honey Bunch)
Josh O’Connor (Rebuilding)
Kit Connor (One of Us)
Mads Mikkelsen (The Last Viking)
Tom Hardy (Rhino)
It remains to be seen how many of these famous faces will be in attendance, but the annual film fest always manages to secure a few.
For instance, with Kit Harrington (Game of Thrones) bringing his directorial debut, Psychopomp, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we’ll see Jon Snow in the flesh.
As you can see, the 2026 edition is being hosted across five different central and varied locations, including big screen cinemas like Odeon, as well as HOME on First Street and even the home of Factory International, Aviva Studios.
Speaking ahead of the start date, festival director Neil Jeram-Croft said: “We are incredibly proud to present the programme for the 12th edition of Manchester Film Festival, which marks our biggest and most ambitious year to date.
“This year’s line-up brings together an exceptional range of films and filmmakers, with screenings taking place across more venues than ever before, reflecting both the growth of the festival and the appetite for independent cinema in the city.
“We are especially looking forward to welcoming filmmakers from across the UK and internationally, as well as welcoming back our brilliant volunteers, whose support is vital to bringing the festival to life.
“We can’t wait to welcome audiences this March for ten days of powerful storytelling, standout premieres and inspiring conversations.”
Once again, the BAFTA and BIFA qualifying festival and its accompanying awards ceremony will take place between 19 and 29 March 2026; early bird passes have already sold out, but you can grab your general admission tickets right HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Manchester Film Festival)
TV & Showbiz
Harry Styles announced as latest performer at the 2026 BRIT Awards
Danny Jones
Yes, in what is set to be his Co-op Live debut (yes, the venue he’s literally invested in), Harry Styles has been confirmed as the latest blockbuster performer at this year’s BRITs.
The lineup for the 2026 BRIT Awards was already pretty stacked, but this just takes the cake.
Not long after FINALLY announcing his fourth album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally and releasing the new lead single, ‘Aperture’, the Cheshire-born singer-songwriter is coming to the Co-op Live arena for the very first time as part of the ceremony’s live music lineup.
Absolute scenes. Screaming, crying, throwing up.
we've got news… Harry's coming home 💋🪩@Harry_Styles will be making his live TV performance debut of music from his new album 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.' at The BRIT Awards 2026
Watch the performance live Saturday 28th February on ITV1 & ITVX in the UK and on… pic.twitter.com/Aax3lV03xM
The 31-year-old former One Direction member turned solo artist and global megastar recently revealed a raft of live shows this coming May (and there’s been plenty of discussion surrounding ticket prices), but he’s sadly overlooked Manchester for now.
However, anyone who already secured a seat at the first-ever BRITs here in Manchester will no doubt be doing cartwheels now following the announcement.
As if that wasn’t a mega enough name, he will be joining the likes of the wonderful, already award-winning and fellow multi-time nominee, Olivia Dean.
As quite literally two of the biggest musicians on the planet right now, we couldn’t pick a better roster if we dreamed it up ourselves.
Speaking of Ms Dean, she is also one of several acts confirmed to be playing a series of intimate acts across the country – and her’s is right here in Manchester.
You can see the full lineup of gigs HERE – all we’ll say is that there’s some seriously big hitters playing very small capacity venues on this list.
What a great few weeks for music, eh?
Taking place on Sunday, 28 February, public tickets for the show unfortunately sold out some time ago for what will also be his first-ever live musical TV performance.
Perhaps his booking is at least partly why we haven’t got a standalone Harry Styles Manchester gig on the ‘Together, Together’ tour, but we’re still keeping everything crossed that he’ll announce a second leg of shows here in the UK.
You’d think he’d fancy properly headlining the gaff he helped pay for, or maybe a return to the Etihad Stadium across the way, right?
Find the complete shortlist of nominees, as well as the rest of the live music lineup for the 2026 BRITs ceremony here in Manchester, down below; and if you see on screen trying to clutch at Harry’s ankles, we’re sure you’ll understand…
Daisy Jackson -
6th January 2025 
