In a heartfelt tribute, professional figure skater Colin Grafton has expressed his deep sorrow over the unexpected passing of The Vivienne, the iconic British drag performer who was his partner on the popular television show "Dancing on Ice." News of The Vivienne's passing, whose real name was James Lee Williams, came as a shock on Sunday night. The beloved performer, who won the first season of "RuPaul’s Drag Race UK" in 2019, passed away at the young age of 32.
A Legacy in Drag and Ice Skating
The Vivienne's influence extended far beyond drag, capturing the hearts of many as she competed in "RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars" in 2022. Her visibility and popularity soared, and she made history by becoming the first drag artist to compete on "Dancing on Ice" in 2023. The show pairs celebrities with professional skaters in a dazzling display of talent and competition, and The Vivienne’s partnership with Colin Grafton was indeed a highlight.
Grafton, a former Team USA pairs skater, was only in his second season with the show when he was paired with The Vivienne. Together, they captivated audiences with their performances, advancing all the way to the finals and finishing in third place. Their routines included memorable performances to hits like "Strong Enough" by Cher and "Jolene" by Dolly Parton.
In an interview in February 2024, Grafton publicly came out as gay, sharing the profound impact his partnership with The Vivienne had on him, both professionally and personally. "I had never anticipated the importance of our queer skate partnership," he said then, emphasizing the unique bond they shared on and off the ice.
Tributes and Memories
Following the announcement of Williams’ passing, Grafton took to Instagram to share his grief. At 33, he described himself as "truly heartbroken" over the loss of his "beautiful friend." Praising The Vivienne as a "true icon," Grafton reflected on how she had inspired countless individuals with her achievements and spirit.
"Viv was and is a true icon in every sense of the word, and inspired thousands of people far and wide with everything they did and accomplished," Grafton wrote. "They truly brought light into every room they entered, and gave so many people hope where there was none." His tribute underscored the deep personal connection and admiration he held for his skating partner.
One of their standout performances was during "Movies Week" on the show, where The Vivienne dazzled as Mary Poppins, skating to the tune of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." It was a night to remember, as they earned the joint top score, with esteemed judges and Olympic legends Torvill and Dean awarding them 9 out of 10.
"I will forever cherish our time together on and off the ice, you will forever be my Mary Poppins," Grafton added in his post. "I promise to carry your memory with me in everything I do. You taught me so much about so many things, and I am eternally grateful. Your legacy lives on."
Community and Industry Reactions
The news of Williams' passing was met with an outpouring of condolences and tributes from the LGBTQ+ and figure skating communities. Eric Radford, an Olympic gold medalist set to join "Dancing on Ice" in the upcoming season, commented on Grafton’s post, writing "beautiful words Colin" alongside a broken heart emoji.
The producers of "Dancing on Ice" also released a statement expressing their sorrow. They hailed the groundbreaking partnership between Grafton and The Vivienne as a historic moment for the show. "James’ unique vitality and fearless spirit entranced audiences week after week, as they became the first drag act to reach the final of the show," the statement read. They extended their deepest sympathies to Williams’ family and friends during this difficult time.
The Vivienne’s legacy as a trailblazer and beloved performer endures, leaving an indelible mark on fans and colleagues alike. As Grafton and others in the community continue to celebrate her life and contributions, her memory continues to shine brightly, reminding everyone of the joy and inspiration she brought to the world.
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