ITV have announced that The Vivienne will appear in their new series of G’Wed. The episode will be dedicated to the drag star after they tragically died earlier this month.
The Drag Race UK winner’s death was announced on the 5th of January, with tributes from fans and famous friends flooding social media. Over the weekend a vigil was held to honour The Vivienne in Liverpool, with family friend Bobby Musker reading: “As a family we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne.
“From an early age it was evident they were destined for the stage… they were determined to pave his own way in this world. The road was not easy but the dream never, ever changed and James would always tell us that they would make it happen and they did. We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will all love you.”
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It’s since been confirmed by ITV that The Vivienne will be making one last appearance on-screen by featuring in the new and second series of sitcom G’Wed. The show follows working-class Liverpudlian teenagers who tackle issues such as grief, sex, diversity and class differences alongside other challenges young people face.
The Vivienne will appear in the first episode as a nightclub owner who offers Ted a spot after seeing his comedic talent. It was filmed during the summer, and it’s been said that the episode will act as a tribute to the late star, they’ve also noted that the family gave their blessing for it to be aired.
Tributes to the star came flooding in on social media after the sad news was announced -Credit:BBC
According to the Mirror, the show’s executive producer, Mario Stylianides, shared: “All the cast and crew were so saddened by the passing of The Vivienne and the first episode will now be dedicated to them.
“The Vivienne was a trailblazing icon and we were truly honoured when we found out they were a fan of G’wed and equally excited when they agreed to appear in the first episode. They will always be in our hearts and forever part of the G’wed family.”
The heartbreaking statement of the star’s death was announced by their family on social media. The statement said: “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, warm- hearted and amazing person.”
They continued: “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. 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.”
G’Wed will be available to stream from Thursday 6th February on ITVX, with it airing on ITV2 the same night.