David Ludford, the grieving ex-husband of The Vivienne, was recently seen in public for the first time since the tragic death of the Drag Race UK star earlier this month. The 34-year-old, who was married to The Vivienne from 2019 until their split in 2023, showed a brave face as he stepped out in Manchester for a night at BLVD Bar. David was dressed stylishly in a sheer Dior shirt, black trousers, chunky boots, and silver jewelry, accompanied by his friend, MAFS UK star Holly Ditchfield.
David and The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, shared a deep bond, particularly through their mutual love for drag culture. David, who runs a wig company called Drag Helmet, supported his ex-husband’s career as The Vivienne rose to fame after winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. The Vivienne continued to build a successful career with various television appearances, including a stint on Dancing On Ice, before their untimely passing at the age of 32.
The couple, who began dating in 2017, had a fairy-tale wedding in 2019 at London’s G-A-Y Heaven nightclub. Their relationship, however, came to an end in 2023, with the two citing the challenges of balancing life with their relationship. Despite their divorce, David’s tribute to The Vivienne on social media following their death was filled with heartfelt emotions. He shared a photo of the couple and expressed how deeply devastated he felt, recounting the incredible moments they shared during their six-year relationship.
In his emotional post, David described the impact The Vivienne had on his life, calling their time together “a whirlwind” and admitting that he was struggling with the grief, even though they had been divorced for over a year. He also reflected on how The Vivienne had shown him true love and left an indelible mark on his heart. The Vivienne’s death left David’s heart shattered, as he mourned the loss of someone who had been such an integral part of his life for so long.
The Vivienne’s death shocked fans and fellow performers, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the entertainment world. Baga Chipz, a fellow Drag Race UK star, proposed that the best way to honor The Vivienne’s legacy would be to air reruns of their iconic moments on the show. Meanwhile, The Vivienne’s publicist confirmed the heartbreaking news, describing James as a beloved and talented individual who was adored by all who knew them. The cause of death remains undisclosed, and the family has asked for privacy during this time of mo
urning.