Who is The Vivienne’s ex-husband, David Ludford? Former husband posts emotional tribute as first RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner dies at 32

After the news of their death broke out, The Vivienne's admirers took to social media to send their condolences. Williams' former husband, David Ludford, was also among the people paying their tributes.

For the uninitiated, Ludford is known for Drag Helmet Wigs, a company focused on styling wigs for drag performers. He met The Vivienne in August 2017 in Gran Canaria. Following their two-year-long relationship, the couple got hitched in 2019. Ludford and William's marriage lasted almost four years, as the drag performer announced their split in April 2023 via an Instagram post. The pair parted ways after five and a half years of their relationship.

Reacting to the demise of his former partner, Ludford penned a post via his Facebook account,

"My heart literally sank when I got the call!! Never in a million years did I think I’d ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams."

He continued by claiming how Williams changed his life,

"This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria!! We literally clicked straight away and we knew we was going to be together for along time!! He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone. we literally went through and did so much together it was like a whirlwind and I wouldn't have changed the time we spent together for anything In The world!!!"

Mentioning their relationship of six years and his love for The Vivienne despite their divorce, Ludford concluded,

"I feel like a tit feeling this upset and hurt because we have been fully divorced for just over a year now but we was together 6 year and we loved each other so much and you can't take away. I'm so happy to say I not only met you but we was together, we was husbands and you was the biggest part of my left for such a long time! 6 years is such a long time to spend 24/7 with you will always always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know sleep tight angel."

David Ludford also shared photos of different occasions and moments with Williams, including their wedding.

The Vivienne's death was announced by their publicist, Simon Jones, on January 5

On January 5, publicist Simon Jones announced the passing of the popular British drag performer. In his social media post, Jones revealed that James Lee Williams, aka The Vivienne, had passed away last weekend.

The post read that Williams' family members "are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle." Furthermore, the family is "so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career."

The post also suggested that the family will not reveal any further details, including the cause of death. Jones concluded the post by asking for privacy and time for the family to grieve and process the loss of William's life.

In a separate post, Simon Jones paid tribute to his late client and close friend. The publicist revealed that he met The Vivienne in 2019 and knew from that instance that they "could create magic together." He also praised Williams by writing,

"Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other."

Jones added how he was "proud and lucky" to have Viv as a "big part" of his life since 2019. He continued by penning,

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"It's tragic that their career was only just beginning. In Musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled, and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us too soon."

The Vivienne had an excellent inception to their career after being crowned as the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK series 1 at 26. After receiving the breakthrough, Williams was headed towards more success with subsequent reality TV appearances and a promising start in theatre.

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