The Vivienne fans ‘sobbing’ after watching their posthumous TV appearance
The Drag Race star died aged 32 in January.
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Previous Page Next PageThe Vivienne made a posthumous appearance in an episode of ITV comedy series G’wed which had an emotional impact on viewers.
Their cameo role as a fabulous Liverpool nightclub owner in the second season of the drama is already available to watch on ITVX.
In it, the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star spots Ted’s (Dominic Murphy) comedic potential and offers him a spot comparing their drag night.
During the brief appearance, The Vivienne fires off witty one-liners in their trademark style of humour.
After Ted jokes about what the ‘special request’ entails, they shoot back: ‘Please, I wouldn’t ask you to do that again. I’ve had better head from a blow-up doll.’
When he later shares concerns over hosting the drag night, The Vivienne quips: ‘What’s the worst that can happen? You bomb so hard that you become a shell of a man and so traumatised that you never leave the house.’
The Vivienne plays a Liverpool nightclub owner in G’wed (Picture: ITV)As The Vivienne hangs up the phone while Ted giggles, they remark: ‘Because, I’ll tell you what, if you do bomb, I’m never speaking to you again.’
The performer, who was born James Lee Williams, filmed the cameo last summer before their ‘sudden’ death at home in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, aged 32 in January.
At the end of the episode, a picture was displayed of The Vivienne and Dominic together during filming. Their tribute read: ‘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 of the new series. They will always be in our hearts and forever part of the G’wed family.’
Viewers were ‘absolutely sobbing’ (Picture: Instagram)After watching the show, viewers shared how it felt to see The Vivienne on their TV screen.
‘Absolutely sobbing watching @THEVIVIENNEUK in #Gwed series 2 just beautiful,’ wrote account Emmajonez81.
‘Lovely tribute at the end of Ep 1 from the #GWed Team to the legend that was The Vivienne , such a powerhouse,’ wrote Liam Calland. Marie Whyman echoed the sentiment: ‘Lovely tribute to #thevivienne tonight at the end of G’wed @ITVX x x.’
Harry Doyle added: ‘G’Wed. Wasn’t expecting to see Viv appear on our screen. What a talent.’
Leannejdundon wrote on Instagram: ‘Love the viv always.’
She contacts Ted and asks him to compare a drag night (Picture: ITV)The official Instagram account for G’wed also shared a further message.
‘James Lee Williams aka The Vivienne (1992-2025) Your laughter filled the room, your wit blew us away, and your kindness to our young cast will never be forgotten,’ the caption began.
‘You truly were the best of us Viv and you have made such an incredible impact on all our cast and crew, thank you for showing us that talent comes second to kindness even with someone as phenomenally talented as you.
‘Tonight’s show is for you, we know that you thought this story was one that so desperately needed telling. Your passion for young LGBTQIA+ people to feel supported and know that they are not alone was something you actively worked to change throughout your life.
‘Goodnight Viv, you will be dearly missed and forever loved x.’
ITV previously said the episode was be dedicated to The Vivienne and would air ‘with the blessing of the family honouring their special talent’.
‘All the cast and crew were so saddened by the passing of The Vivienne and the first episode will now be dedicated to them,’ executive producer Mario Stylianides said.
G’wed follows teenagers from Liverpool as they go about their lives, with the first season hitting screens a year ago.
G’wed became ITV’s biggest comedy in 2024(Picture: ITV) The show’s executive producer said the tribute had been done ‘with the blessing of the performer’s family’ (Picture: David Fisher/ Shutterstock)It became the biggest comedy on ITVX in 2024 with its six episodes streamed 7.2 million times and on linear TV, it launched with 2.1 million viewers.
Fans of the series have been told the second season will ‘continue to tackle life’s big themes with a funny lens whilst keeping Liverpool’s distinctive voice and spirit at its heart’.
‘Expect more sharp wit as our Scouse gang navigate new challenges, from age gap relationships and consent to acceptable ways to make money while still in school,’ the broadcaster added.
One of their last major TV appearances was on Dancing on Ice in 2023 (Picture: Jonathan Brady/ PA Wire)After The Vivienne’s death, hundreds of people gathered in Liverpool to celebrate them at a vigil, which included speeches, musical performances and a poignant moment when attendees spontaneously released balloons into the sky.
Former Emmerdale actor Liam Fox, who starred alongside Williams in theatre show Chitty Chitty Bang Bang paid his respect at the event and told Metro: ‘It was so beautiful. She was so loved by all who knew her which makes it all the more tragic to have lost her so young when there was so much more ahead for her.’
In January, they were laid to rest at a funeral attended by the likes of Ian ‘H’ Watkins and Jade Thirlwall.
G’wed is available to stream on ITVX.
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