The Vivienne fans 'disappointed' as Dancing On Ice airs brief tribute to the late star
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Dancing On Ice fans were left disappointed by a tribute to late contestant The Vivienne - who passed away suddenly earlier this month. The RuPaul's Drag Race star was a contestant on season 15 of the long-running ITV winter sport contest in 2023 - where they finished in third place alongside professional skater Colin Grafton. A week before the 2025 season of Dancing On Ice began airing, the shocking news that The Vivienne - whose real name was James Lee Williams - had died at the age of 32.
After the opening dance routine on the show on Sunday night, and after welcoming the celebrity contestants and show judges, hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern addressed the cameras to pay tribute to the late drag performer. Holly, 43, 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." Stephen, 47, added: "Absolutely,” before changing tone to say: "Ok, tonight’s we’ll see our first six couples take to the ice - the other six couples will perform next week - so lets crack on with the very first celebrity.".
Many viewers were disappointed by the tribute - and took to social media to suggest the hosts could have done more to celebrate the late star. One viewers took to X to write: "I thought that they might of said/done a little more when it came too paying homage too The Vivienne, showing previous clips and, or a dance routine in memory of perhaps. #DancingOnIce.".
