Late drag icon The Vivienne remained private about life after divorcing David Ludford, focusing on their career, performances, and personal growth instead of discussing their separation publicly.
James Lee Williams was a Welsh drag queen, and they became popular after winning the first season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” in 2019.
Highlights
- James Lee Williams won the first “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” season in 2019.
- They got married to David Ludford in December 2019 at a vibrant nightclub wedding in Westminster.
- The couple decided to part ways in April 2023 and shared a joint emotional message.
Vivienne later competed in “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” season seven in 2022 and became the first drag artist to compete on “Dancing on Ice” in 2023, finishing third.
Aside from television appearances, they also created music, releasing an extended play called “B*tch on Heels” in 2022.
They also performed on stage, playing the Wicked Witch of the West in the 2024 UK tour of The Wizard of Oz.
The Vivienne and Her Ex-Husband, David Paul Ludford, Were Together For Three Years
David Paul Ludford is best popularly recognized as Vivienne’s former husband from “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.”
Ludford was a faithful partner when they were together, regularly appearing in heartfelt social media posts.
David Ludford showcases strength amidst heartbreak in Manchester after ex-husband, ‘The Vivienne’s untimely passing. Fans are moved by his emotional tribute. https://t.co/S62CX6KAhx pic.twitter.com/wz5LRv7Pb2
— NFT EmpresS (@NFTEmpresS_) January 21, 2025
Moreover, he kept a relatively low profile but was deeply interested in the activities they shared as a couple, remaining at the drag queen’s side as they became famous within the drag world.
The couple met in August 2017 while on vacation in Gran Canaria, Spain. They hit it off instantly and became very close within a short time.
So nice to be away! Back to GC where me and David first met, memories on every corner! So lovely!
Nine months after the pair first met, in May 2018, Vivienne got down on a bent knee to pop the question dramatically over the top of the Las Vegas Strip, making their relationship all the more special.
The two wed in December 2019, exchanging vows in an exquisite wedding they later cherished with love and fondness.
Their relationship was full of passion, jokes, and uncapped support, living under public scrutiny.
James Lee Williams, Aka The Vivienne and David Ludford: A Love Story That Ended in Friendship
Reality TV stars Vivienne and David Ludford have been in a relationship for over five years.
They began dating in October 2017 and married in late 2019 in a vibrant nightclub wedding in Westminster, which several “Drag Race UK” stars graced.
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However, after four years of marriage, the couple split in April 2023. In an emotional joint statement, the star said:
As many have noticed, David and I have been apart recently. We have made the decision to part ways after an amazing 5 and a half years. We are still very much friends but sometimes life gets in the way and people grow apart. We wish each other the absolute best and will always be part of each other’s lives.
Following the untimely d*ath of Williams in January 2025, Ludford shared a heartfelt tribute stating he was devastated despite their divorce.
My heart is literally shattered, I feel so out of place I feel lost, I feel numb
Fly high angel and keep shining
Also, he wrote:
We literally went through and did so much together it was like a whirlwind and I wouldn’t have changed the time we spent together for anything In The world!!! I feel like a tit feeling this upset and hurt because we have been fully divorced for just over a year now but we was together 6 year and we loved each other so much and you can’t take away.
Additional Information
- James Lee Williams’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million as of 2025.
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They were born to their mother, Caroline Willaims, who supported their dreams.
- Williams grew up with her sister, Chanel Williams, a Director at Enhanced Healthcare.
