The Vivienne Fans Outraged Over 'Dancing on Ice' Tribute After Unexpected Death: 'Deserved So Much Better'

After the death of The Vivienne, also known as James Lee Williams, at the start of 2025, many friends, fans and colleagues paid tribute to them. But the reality TV show Dancing on Ice's tribute to the RuPaul's Drag Race star seemed to fall flat.

On Sunday, Jan. 12, the reality competition show took a moment to talk about The Vivienne and their death, with presenters Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern starting the show with a message about the star. The Vivienne appeared on the competition series in 2023, becoming the first drag performer ever to do so.

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"Before we move on, like us, many of you have been saddened by the tragedy of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend," began Willoughby.

She continued, “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.”

One fan took to X to share their thoughts on the short tribute, saying, "Didn't seem genuine to be honest. The Vivienne deserved better."

Another fan watched the episode of Dancing on Ice and said of the tribute, "absolutely disgusting. 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."

Someone else had a slightly stronger response, saying, "What an absolute f--king insult to The Vivienne. Fake. Nauseating. Smells like ‘firstly, are you ok’ #DancingOnIce."

"Deserved so much better," wrote a fan in reply, as more said, "Just over 15 seconds and that was that, not even a proper tribute" and "Was this genuinely the best you could do as a tribute to The Vivienne?"

Others called it "insincere" and "rushed," while there were also some people mixed in who didn't find any issue with the tribute.

Dancing on Ice seemingly also shared a photo and dedication for The Vivienne at the end of the episode. Neither Dancing on Ice nor ITV has shared a response to the negative response.

Next: RuPaul Breaks Silence on The Vivienne's Devastating Death at 32: "Broken Heart"