Dear Viv, a tribute to drag superstar, The Vivienne to air on BBC Three and iPlayer this August

Dear Viv is a fitting tribute to The Vivienne who truly was a trailblazer in the world of drag. She showcased her artistry and talent brilliantly and paved the way for many to follow in her footsteps.

— Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three

In January this year, the Drag Race Universe was plunged into a state of mourning, as the news emerged that James Lee Williams, also known as The Vivienne, had tragically passed away at the age of 32.

The Vivienne was crowned the UK’s First Drag Super Star on the inaugural series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, and it was from this victorious launchpad that Viv emerged as an entertainer who touched the lives of many around the world.

With the support of Viv’s family and closest friends, Dear Viv, made by World of Wonder (the producers of Drag Race), offers a celebratory deeply personal portrait of The Vivienne’s remarkable journey from their roots in North Wales and Liverpool to the global stage.

The film unfolds through a blend of interviews, family photos, home video, archive and unseen behind-the-scenes Drag Race footage. It charts The Vivienne’s journey as a cheeky toddler who grew up to conquer the UK drag scene. She also triumphed as a finalist on Dancing on Ice, took on the US drag scene in the first ever all-winners season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, and fulfilled their dream of becoming a West End Star as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.

Touching interviews with James’ parents and sister introduce the viewer to a sparky young James destined for the stardom. Interviews with his best friends, early mentors, and Drag Race friends, including Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli, Danny Beard, Tia Kofi, Cheryl Hole, Raja, Monet X Change, and Trinity Tuck, pay tribute to their friend as ‘a world class entertainer’, ‘an inspiration, mentor and a teacher’, and the epitome of British drag.

The film also sensitively touches on The Vivienne’s self-confessed struggle with ketamine addiction. The Vivienne’s sister, Chanel Williams, passionately campaigns and argues for better awareness around the dangers of ketamine - the drug that was ultimately responsible for her brother’s untimely death.

Producers Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato, co-founders of World of Wonder, said: “We wanted to celebrate The Vivienne and not just mourn her. Although she left us far too soon her life was defined by her breathtaking talent, scene-stealing charisma, and infinite kindness. We hope her vision and her voice shine through in Dear Viv and that it inspires everyone who watches it. Although producing it was bittersweet, we are so grateful to friends and family for trusting us to tell The Vivienne’s story. Above all, we hope Viv loves the film as much as we loved her.”

Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three: “Dear Viv is a fitting tribute to The Vivienne who truly was a trailblazer in the world of drag. She showcased her artistry and talent brilliantly and paved the way for many to follow in her footsteps.”

Dear Viv (1 x 60) is World of Wonder production for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer commissioned by Nasfim Haque, Head of Content and Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producers for World of Wonder are Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato and the BBC Commissioning Editor is Ruby Kuraishe.

• Watch Dear Viv from Thursday 28 August on BBC Three and iPlayer