Oti Mabuse issues statement following death of ITV Dancing on Ice star The Vivienne as judge pays tribute: ‘Trailblazer’
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Oti Mabuse is among the famous faces to have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes following the death of RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne.
News of their death at the age of 32 was announced on Sunday, with the Dancing on Ice star labelled “a phenomenal entertainer”.
Mabuse, 34, found fame on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and now judges ITV skating competition, Dancing on Ice.
James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, appeared on the 2023 edition of the popular celebrity competition after becoming a well-known name in the drag queen world.
The news prompted an emotional statement from Mabuse, who penned on social media: “I absolutely loved the viv.”
Alongside a snap shared on her Instagram Story, she continued: “A beautiful human being, funny, kind, a trailblazer, creative and so warm.”
“You were such an asset on Dancing On Ice, one of the greatest on Drag Race and just a phenomenal entertainer on screen and theatre,” the choreographer concluded.
The Vivienne made it to the final of the skating competition, and detailed at the time how much it had meant, adding: “Especially at a time when drag is under attack.”
Their stint on the show saw them competing alongside EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer, who has since commented that she is “lost for words” and “deeply saddened” by the loss.
The actress, 52, penned: “You were so beautiful inside and out and I will never forget our experiences we shared during Dancing On Ice.
“We really loved it all didn’t we. I got to meet your beautiful family and we laughed a lot.
“I got to watch you transform your face in your very glam dressing room mirror and we cried with it all too.”
The Bianca Jackson star ended the tribute: “You became an outstanding skater and so elegant too. We were all there for each other and we all love you.”
Stars further afield have also paid tribute, with Wicked star Ariana Grande also expressing her sadness over the news.
The Hollywood actress also shared a snap of The Vivienne, along with three love hearts.
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage also honoured the late star, sharing photos of the two together.
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The 56-year-old shared: “My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK.
“You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.
“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all.”
The news was announced on Sunday by publicist Simon Jones, who revealed the reality show star had passed away over the weekend.