‘Drag Race UK’ star The Vivienne died from effects of ketamine, family says

The family of The Vivienne have revealed the drag star died from a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking ketamine.

The star – real name James Lee Williams – was found dead on January 5 at the age of 32 at their home in Cheshire. Police later confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances around their passing.

Now, The Vivienne’s sister Chanel Williams has told the BBC that the family want to draw attention to the circumstances of the tragedy in order to raise awareness of the dangers of the drug.

“Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK,” she said. “If we can help raise awareness of the dangers of this drug and help people who may be dealing with ketamine addiction then something positive will come from this complete tragedy.”

Simon Jones, The Vivienne’s manager and close friend, said: “I hope by us releasing this information we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do to your body.”

An inquest into The Vivienne’s death will is set to take place in June.

The star was the inaugural winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, having already risen to prominence in 2015 after becoming the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series.

Williams, who was born in Wales, also came third on the 2023 series of Dancing On Ice, and was also known for their role in the musical version of The Wizard Of Oz.

A funeral was held in North Wales in January, with former Little Mix star JADE and JLS singer Aston Merrygold in attendance, as well as Ian ‘H’ Watkins of Steps, Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney, comedian Jayde Adams, former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona, actress Jennifer Ellison and TV personality Kim Woodburn.

Williams’ ex-husband David Ludford also paid tribute shortly after the news of their passing broke, writing: “My heart literally sank when I got the call!! My heart is shattered!!! Never in a million years did I think I’d ever be writing anything like this”. He would go on to describe his former partner as an “angel”. The couple divorced in 2023 after six years together.

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