We usually see them in towering wigs, cinched within an inch of their life, and sporting a prosthetic nose that would make a plastic surgeon sweat. But when the eyelashes come off and the duct tape is peeled away, the person behind the persona is a lot more complex than a "Donald Trump" impersonator. Honestly, if you've only ever seen the polished, sharp-tongued winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 1, you’re missing the actual heartbeat of the story.
The Vivienne out of drag is James Lee Williams.
James isn't just a performer who happens to be good at makeup. He was a guy from North Wales who basically clawed his way into the history books of British pop culture. But beneath the "Scouse wife who came into money" aesthetic that defined his drag, James's life out of drag was marked by massive highs, public struggles with sobriety, and a tragic ending that left the drag world completely reeling in early 2025.
The Man Behind the Vivienne Westwood Obsession
James Lee Williams was born in April 1992 in Colwyn Bay. Growing up in a small Welsh town isn't always the easiest vibe for a queer kid with a massive personality, but James was lucky. He’s been vocal about how supportive his family was. He came out at 14, and by 16, he was out of Wales and into the bustling scene of Liverpool.
He didn't start as a queen. He started as a makeup artist. That's why his drag was always so terrifyingly perfect—the man knew exactly how to manipulate a face.
🔗 Read more: Jeremy Renner Accident Recovery: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
The name "The Vivienne" actually came from James’s genuine, borderline-obsessive love for Vivienne Westwood clothing. Out of drag, James was often seen in high-fashion streetwear, usually sporting a clean-shaven look and a style that leaned into that "Liverpool lad" energy, just with a much better skincare routine than most.
Career Milestones: More Than Just a Runway
- 2015: He became the UK’s first official Drag Race Ambassador. This was long before the UK show even existed.
- 2019: James won the first-ever season of Drag Race UK. He didn't get a cash prize (thanks, BBC), but he got a trip to Hollywood and a digital series.
- 2022: He was the only British queen invited to All Stars 7—the "All Winners" season. He went toe-to-toe with legends like Jinkx Monsoon and proved UK drag wasn't just "cheap and cheerful."
- 2023: He competed on Dancing on Ice. This was a massive moment for James out of drag. He performed as himself for several routines, including a deeply emotional skate to Beyoncé’s "Halo."
The Battle with Sobriety and the "Gran Canaria" Reset
James was incredibly open about the fact that his life wasn't always a main-stage extravaganza. During his early years in the Liverpool club scene, he fell into a heavy addiction to ketamine.
It’s a story we hear often in the nightlife industry, but James didn't sugarcoat it. He basically admitted that if he hadn't left Liverpool for Gran Canaria in 2017, he might not have made it to the Drag Race auditions.
While working at Sparkles Show Bar in Spain, he met David Ludford. David wasn't a drag queen; he was a waiter and later a wig stylist. They clicked instantly. David became the anchor James needed to stay clean, and they eventually made history by becoming the first couple to marry at the legendary London nightclub, Heaven, in late 2019.
💡 You might also like: Kendra Wilkinson Photos: Why Her Latest Career Pivot Changes Everything
Sadly, the "happily ever after" didn't stick in the traditional sense. In April 2023, James announced they were parting ways after five years. They stayed friends, but it was a reminder that even for a "Drag Superstar," life out of drag is messy and unpredictable.
What Really Happened in 2025?
The most heartbreaking chapter of the James Lee Williams story happened on January 3, 2025. James was found dead at his home in Cheshire at the age of 32.
The news sent shockwaves through the community. For months, there was speculation, but his family chose to be radically honest to help others. In March 2025, his sister, Chanel Williams, confirmed that James had died from a cardiac arrest caused by ketamine use.
It was a "death by misadventure," according to the coroner. James hadn't intended to end his life; he was looking forward to a West End run in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He had just relapsed. His family’s decision to speak out about the "stigma" of drug use was a powerful move. They argued that if James hadn't felt ashamed of his slip-up, he might have reached out for help before it was too late.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With the Brittany Snow Divorce
Why James Lee Williams Still Matters
When we talk about "The Vivienne out of drag," we’re talking about a trailblazer who refused to be just a caricature. On Dancing on Ice, James showed the world a vulnerable, athletic, and hardworking man who just happened to be the best in the world at putting on a dress.
He proved that you can come from a small town in Wales, battle your demons, and eventually have Ariana Grande and RuPaul mourning you as a peer.
Practical Lessons from the Life of James Lee Williams
- Talent requires a foundation: James’s success wasn't luck. It was his background in makeup and stage school from age five. Hone your craft when nobody is watching.
- Sobriety isn't a straight line: His story is a stark reminder that recovery is a daily choice, and relapses happen to even the most "successful" people.
- Representation saves lives: Seeing a drag queen compete as a man on prime-time ITV (Dancing on Ice) broke down barriers for queer kids who didn't see themselves in sports or mainstream media.
If you’re struggling with substance use or know someone who is, organizations like Adferiad (which James’s family now supports) or Shatterproof offer real resources without the judgment that often keeps people in the shadows. James’s legacy isn't just the crown; it’s the conversation he started by being authentically himself, both in and out of the wig.