David Radford, ex-husband of Drag Race UK star Vivian, appeared publicly for the first time since her unexpected death at 32. David, 34, was seen in Manchester paying his respects at BLVD bar alongside friend Holly Ditchfield. The couple married in 2019 after meeting in 2017 but separated in 2023 due to life’s challenges. Despite their divorce, David mourned Vivian’s passing on Instagram, expressing deep sorrow and reminiscing about their impactful relationship. Vivian, born James Lee Williams, gained fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race and participated in various TV projects, leaving behind a legacy in the drag community.
Vivian’s ex-husband David Radford put on a brave face as he appeared for the first time since the Drag Race UK star’s shocking death at the age of 32 earlier this month.
David, 34, who was married to the entertainer from 2019 to 2023, stepped out in Manchester on Saturday night to pay his respects following the shocking news.
He looked stylish in a light DIOR shirt top and black pants, paired with chunky boots and silver jewelry.
David attended his first public appearance at the city’s BLVD bar with his friend and MAFS UK star Holly Ditchfield.
David and the former Vivian, real name James Lee Williams, owned a company called Drag Helmet, which made wigs for performers, and shared a love of drag.
The performer rose to fame on the first series of the British version of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2019 and went on to make numerous TV appearances, including a stint on Dancing on Ice.
Vivian’s ex-husband David Radford, 34, looked fearless as he appeared for the first time since the British Drag Race star’s shocking death at the age of 32 earlier this month.
David (right), who was married to the entertainer (left) from 2019 to 2023, appeared in court in Manchester on Saturday night to pay his respects following the shocking news.
However, just weeks after placing third at the 2023 Skate Show, Vivian underwent a major change in her life, separating from her husband David.
The two started their romance in 2017 and got married in 2019. A gorgeous flower-filled ceremony at Gays Heaven Nightclub LONDON – They were the first couple to wed at the venue after weddings were allowed to take place in the same year.
However, after around six years together, the two went their separate ways in 2023, saying “life got in the way” of their relationship.
Following the tragic news of Vivian’s death, David took to Instagram to share a photo of the former couple together, writing: “My heart literally sank when I got the call!” My heart was broken! Never in a million years did I think I would write something about something like this. ”
“This man has changed my life forever since the first day we met in Gran Canaria in August 2017!!”
“We literally hit it off right away and knew we would be together forever!!” He made me feel love and showed me what it’s really like to love someone. He gave it to me.
“We literally went through a whirlwind of things together and spent so much time together. Nothing in the world could change the time we spent together. Sho!
“I’m so upset because we’ve been together for six years and we love each other so much and you can’t take that away, even though we’ve been completely divorced for just over a year.” I feel like a wounded tit.
David attended his first public appearance at the city’s BLVD bar with friend and MAFS British star Holly Ditchfield
The two started their romance in 2017 and tied the knot in a lavish, flower-filled ceremony at GAY’s Heaven nightclub in London in 2019.
However, after around six years together, the two went their separate ways in 2023, saying “life got in the way” of their relationship.
News of Vivian’s death “broke David’s heart,” he wrote in a touching tribute on Instagram on Sunday.
“I am so happy to say that not only did I meet you, but we are together, we are husbands, and you have been the greatest part of me left for a long time! 6 years 24 hours a day It’s been a long time since I spent 365 days with you and you will always be in my heart.”
“I’ll miss you more than you know. Sleep tight, Angel.”
News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced on social media, with tributes pouring in for the star. The cause has not yet been established.
Vivian’s publicist Simon Jones confirmed the news on Instagram: “It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved James Lee Williams, Vivian, passed away this weekend.”
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and wonderful person. Their family is saddened by the loss of a son, brother and uncle.
“They are very proud of the great things that James has achieved in his life and career. They will not share any details publicly.
“We ask that James’ family be given the time and privacy they need to grieve at this time.”
He continued, “These are words I never wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a customer, and someone I loved very much.
“From the moment I met them in 2019, I became their manager because I knew we could create magic together. Their talent is immense and the light they bring into every room is amazing. No one in my life made me laugh as much as Viv. Their comic genius and wit were unparalleled.
“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv has been such a big part of my life every day for the past five years. The tragedy is that their careers were just beginning. , found a place and career they love, excel, and grow.
“Heartbroken and devastated to hear this news. Rest in peace my wonderful friend. You left us far too soon.
Last week, Baga Chips called for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK to be canceled and replaced with a “Vivian rerun” in honor of the late star.
The 35-year-old drag queen appeared on the first season of the BBC reality competition alongside The Vivienne in 2019 and thought the best way to pay tribute to the series one winners was to air clips of them in the future. He said he is doing so.
Last week, Baga Chips (left) called for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK to be canceled and replaced with ‘Vivian Reruns’ (right) in honor of the late star (pictured in 2022)
She said she thought the best way to pay tribute to the Series 1 winners was to air clips of them in the future (pictured in 2020)
“I don’t think there should be any more drag queens on Drag Race,” Baga said in an interview with BANG Showbiz at RuPaul’s Drakon UK at Excel London. [UK] Now all we have to do is rerun “The Vivienne.”
“That’s much better. You just have to watch it.”
The Ackley Bridge star, whose real name is Leo Lauren, has forged a deep bond with The Vivians and continues to be a favorite of them, calling them “so wonderful”.
“Some people have the looks and the charisma and everything else. I’m pretty charismatic, I’m pretty comedic, and I think I have that side as well, but she has it all. I was there.
“She looked tall and statuesque and so gorgeous that people thought, ‘Oh, she’s a little intimidating,’ but then she opened her gob and looked like nobody’s business. I would do anything for it.
“On Drag Race, we were always sitting next to each other doing makeup and we were always wanking together. When you meet people in life, you just gel.
“We were very lucky this season because everyone did well, but Viv and I were close. You have your favorites, right?”