Catch up TV

Episode 28 August 2025

In January 2025, the Drag Race universe was plunged into a state of mourning as the news emerged that James Lee Williams, also known as The Vivienne, had tragically passed away at the age of 32.\n\nThe Vivienne was crowned the UK’s first Drag Superstar on the inaugural series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, and it was from this victorious launchpad that Viv emerged as an entertainer who touched the lives of many around the world.\n\nWith the support of Viv’s family and closest friends, this tribute offers a celebratory, deeply personal portrait of The Vivienne’s remarkable journey, from their roots in North Wales and Liverpool to the global stage.\n\nThe film unfolds through a blend of interviews, family photos, home video, archive and unseen behind-the-scenes Drag Race footage. It charts The Vivienne’s journey as a cheeky toddler who grew up to conquer the UK drag scene. Viv also triumphed as a finalist on Dancing on Ice, took on the US drag scene in the first ever all-winners season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and fulfilled their dreams of becoming a West End Star as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.\n\nTouching interviews with James's parents and sister introduce the viewer to a sparky young James destined for the stardom. His best friends, early mentors and Drag Race friends, including Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli, Danny Beard, Tia Kofi, Cheryl Hole, Raja, Monet X Change and Trinity Tuck, pay tribute to their friend as ‘a world-class entertainer’, ‘an inspiration, mentor and a teacher’ and the epitome of British drag.\n\nThe film also sensitively touches on The Vivienne’s self-confessed struggle with ketamine addiction and how Viv’s sister Chanel Williams has become a passionate campaigner for better awareness around the dangers of the drug that was ultimately responsible for her brother’s untimely death.

Source: BBC 3