Colin Grafton issues statement after death of ITV Dancing on Ice partner The Vivienne as he breaks silence: ‘True icon’
Dancing on Ice pro Colin Grafton, 33, has paid tribute to his 2023 celeb partner The Vivienne following the star’s tragic death at the age 32 this weekend.
James Lee Williams, known professionally at The Vivienne, was confirmed to have died on Sunday
News of The Vivienne’s death was announced by publicist Simon Jones on Sunday afternoon where he described the Drag Race star as “an incredibly loved, warmhearted and amazing person”.
“Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle,” the statement read, adding that the family “are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career”.
Sharing an update on Monday, a spokesperson for Cheshire Police announced officers had been called to an address near Chester at 12:22pm on Sunday.
“Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner,” the spokesperson confirmed.
Grafton and The Vivienne made it to the final of the 2023 competition, finishing third in the 15th series of the dance programme.
The pair became fan-favourites and scored highly with the judges throughout the show.
Following the news of The Vivienne’s death, the American model and ice skater took to social media the following day to pay tribute to his former partner with a lengthy statement and pictures of their dance journey together.
“I can’t believe I’m writing these words. It is with an extraordinarily heavy heart that I say goodbye to my beautiful friend and skating partner, The Vivienne,” his tribute began.
Revealing that he was “heartbroken,” the 33-year-old continued: “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.”
He credits The Vivienne with bringing “light into every room they entered, and gave so many people hope where there was none”.
Grafton called their Dancing on Ice journey “truly remarkable” and something that he “will always be so proud of” and added he knew The Vivienne’s courage “inspired many people”.
“Viv, your spirit, strength, and kindness will always stay with me and with everyone you touched. I will forever cherish our time together on and off the ice,” the 33-year-old went on.
Referencing one of their most popular routines, he added: “You will forever be my Mary Poppins.”
The heartfelt and length tribute concluded: “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.”
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The Vivienne’s ex-husband David Ludford also posted a tribute to the Drag Race star on Monday, writing “my heart literally sank when I got the call“.
Before appearing on Dancing on Ice, The Vivienne shot to fame as a star on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
They’d also appeared on a wide range of celebrity shows, including Celebrity The Chase, Celebability, Celebrity Juice, Celebrity Hunted, Celebrity Mastermind and many others.