BBC confirms release date for special tribute to Drag Race UK icon The Vivienne

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The BBC plans to broadcast a heartfelt tribute show for The Vivienne, the renowned star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, in light of their passing.

32-year-old James Lee Williams, known as a drag queen, passed away in January after experiencing a heart attack linked to the use of ketamine.

They gained significant recognition following their victory in the inaugural season of the Drag Race spin-off in 2019. Subsequently, they appeared on shows like Dancing On Ice, making history as the first drag artist to feature on such platforms.

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Hello! I wanted to let you know that the show titled “Dear Viv” is scheduled to be aired on BBC One and iPlayer on August 28. This special program will include heartfelt interviews with the performer’s friends and relatives, all in celebration of The Vivienne’s extraordinary legacy.

As a gaming enthusiast diving into the captivating world of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, I can’t wait to delve deeper into the life story of the legendary Vivienne. Personal photos from family albums, heartfelt home videos, and intriguing archival footage will be woven together with exclusive behind-the-scenes “Drag Race” moments to unravel the fascinating journey that led her to prominence in the realm of drag artistry. It’s going to be an exciting ride!

Crafted by World Of Wonder, it delivers an uplifting, intensely intimate depiction of The Vivienne’s extraordinary journey – one that traverses from their humble beginnings in North Wales and Liverpool, all the way to the international stage.

Hey there! I’ll be delving into the journey of this performer, who’s graced the stage not just on the first-ever all-winners season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, but also on the West End, where they made their debut as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. Pretty cool, huh?

Additionally, it will discuss The Vivienne’s personal battle with ketamine addiction, a fight that their sister, Chanel Williams, has been actively advocating about, focusing on increasing public understanding of the risks associated with this substance.

In addition to The Vivienne’s parents, stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race such as Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli, Danny Beard, Tia Kofi, Cheryl Hole, Raja, Monet X Change, and Trinity Tuck also participated in the project.

Before the launch of “Dear Viv,” Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, co-founders of World of Wonder, expressed that they wanted to honor The Vivienne rather than merely mourn her. Although her life was tragically cut short, she was characterized by her extraordinary talent, captivating charm, and endless kindness.

We fervently aspire that ‘Dear Viv’ reflects both her unique perspective and voice, inspiring everyone who views it. Despite the mixed emotions involved in its creation, we are deeply thankful to friends and family for their trust in allowing us to share The Vivienne’s story. Most importantly, our heartfelt wish is for Viv to cherish the film as much as we have admired her.

Nasfim Haque, BBC Three’s content head, stated: “Dear Viv is an appropriate homage to The Vivienne, a pioneer in the realm of drag. Her artistry and talent were stunningly displayed, and she opened doors for others to follow in her path.

Dear Viv will air on 28 August on BBC Three and iPlayer.

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2025-08-07 18:50