Kent theatre bosses have paid tribute to a “spectacular” RuPaul's Drag Race winner after their sudden death.

James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, won the first series of the UK reality show and came third on Dancing on Ice in 2023.

They have been hailed as a “beacon to so many” following his shocking death aged 32.

A statement by Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre said: “We are incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of the spectacular performer and drag artist, The Vivienne.

“The Vivienne wowed our audiences at the Marlowe in The Wizard of Oz last year.

“Our thoughts are with their family and friends.”

Cheshire Police say officers were called to a home in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, shortly before 12.30pm yesterday after reports of a sudden death.

"Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances,” a spokesman said.

"A file will be prepared for the coroner."

The drag performer appeared days ago on the Christmas special of Blankety Blank – previously hosted by drag legend Lily Savage.

They will be remembered by many who watched the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK for their impersonation of American president Donald Trump alongside fellow drag artist Baga Chipz, who impersonated British prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones announced the star’s death yesterday evening, writing Williams was an “incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person”.

He added Mr Williams, who was born in Wales and later moved to Liverpool, would be remembered for their “immense talent”, adding “the light they brought to every room was astonishing”.

RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage paid tribute to Williams, writing their death was “heartbreaking”.

Alongside pictures of them together, Visage wrote on Instagram: “We go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.

“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.”

Williams performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.

They were due to be back on tour next month performing in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical in the role of the Childcatcher.

Speaking in 2019 ahead of competing in the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne explained their name saying: “I love Vivienne Westwood and when I moved to Liverpool everyone used to call me Vivienne as I was head to toe in Westwood.”

In a post on social media, the television show says Williams’s “talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration”.

Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, says the news was “deeply sad”, adding the broadcaster was “fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements”.

Williams competed in Dancing On Ice in the same year as former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer, who said in a tribute that she was “lost for words” and “deeply saddened”.

“You were so beautiful inside and out and I will never forget the experiences we shared during Dancing On Ice,” she wrote.

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton says it was “unbelievably sad” and Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley referred to The Vivienne as an “incredible human” who will be missed.

The Vivienne said of their drag style: “My style is like a Scouse wife who has come into money, she moved to LA and blew it all and then she’s had to move back to Liverpool.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race says it is “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne”.