Dancing on Ice fans left disappointed by ‘very poor’ The Vivienne tribute
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Presenters Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern shared tribute to late drag artist. Dancing on Ice viewers have been left disappointed by the show’s “very poor” tribute to former contestant The Vivienne, the popular British drag performer, actor and singer, who died earlier in January aged 32.
![[Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby paid tribute to The Vivienne during Sunday’s show]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/13/07/newFile-4.jpg)
James Lee Williams, who went by the name of The Vivienne, rose to prominence after competing in, and eventually winning, the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, and became the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice in 2023, finishing in third place.
![[‘The Vivienne’ pictured in 2023]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/05/20/newFile.jpg)
Their death was announced by their publicist, Simon Jones, who described The Vivienne as “incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person”. Dancing on Ice presenters Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern opened Sunday’s show (12 January) with a tribute to The Vivienne, but viewers and fans of the drag artist were disappointed by the abruptness of the message.
![[‘The Vivienne’ performing on ‘Dancing on Ice’ in 2023]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/13/07/Screenshot-2025-01-13-at-07.58.57.jpg)
Speaking to the camera, Willoughby said: “Before we move on, like us, many of you have been saddened by the tragedy of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend. “Now, they were a huge part of the show, making it all the way to the final in 2023 and they’ll be very sorely missed. Our thoughts are with The Vivienne’s loved ones at this sad time. So sad.”.
![[The Vivienne pictured in 2022]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/06/10/newFile-1.jpg)
One viewer said they had hoped that the show would replay some of The Vivienne’s best dances on the show, or show an image of the drag artist. “That tribute from #DoI #DancingOnIce for #TheVivienne was absolutely disgusting,” said one viewer. “No VT, no picture on the big screen… the opening dance could’ve been a dedication. Seemed like no feeling or care at all in that.”.
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