The Vivienne is a powerhouse. You know it, I know it, and anyone who watched the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK certainly knows it. She didn't just win; she dominated. But lately, people have been scratching their heads and asking what happened to The Vivienne, mostly because her trajectory hasn't followed the standard "influencer" path we expect from reality TV royalty.
She’s been busy. Like, insanely busy.
If you’re looking for a scandal, you’re mostly going to be disappointed, though there was one scary incident in a Liverpool McDonald's that shook the fandom a while back. Mostly, her story is about a performer who outgrew the "drag queen" box and forced the mainstream media to take her seriously as an actor and an athlete.
The Scariest Moment: What Happened to The Vivienne in Liverpool?
Let's address the elephant in the room first. In June 2023, headlines broke that The Vivienne was the victim of a homophobic attack. It happened in broad daylight. She was just grabbing a bite at a McDonald's in Liverpool when a man punched her in the face.
It was jarring.
The Vivienne, whose real name is James Lee Williams, didn't hide. She went straight to social media to report it, not for clout, but to highlight that hate crimes are still a massive issue even for high-profile celebs. The perpetrator was eventually caught and sentenced, but the emotional toll of something like that doesn't just vanish. She handled it with a level of grace that honestly makes me like her more. She thanked the staff at the restaurant and the police, then got right back to work. That’s the Liverpool spirit for you.
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Defying Gravity on Dancing on Ice
If you want to know what happened to The Vivienne in terms of her career, you have to look at Dancing on Ice. This was a massive pivot. Usually, drag queens do Celebrity Big Brother or maybe a bit of masterchef. They don't usually strap knives to their feet and perform death-defying stunts on a frozen pond.
She made history as the first drag queen to compete on the show.
Watching her transform from James in rehearsals—sweaty, tired, and frustrated—to the polished, glamazon "The Vivienne" on Sunday nights was a masterclass in work ethic. She didn't just show up for the paycheck. She actually made it to the final. Think about the physics of that for a second. The center of gravity in a massive wig and heavy padding is completely different than in standard gym gear. She had to relearn how to balance while the world watched.
She eventually came in third, but the impact was bigger than the trophy. She proved that drag is a craft of stamina.
The All Stars 7 Shift
A lot of the "where is she now" energy comes from fans who haven't kept up since All Stars 7. That season was the "All Winners" edition, and it was arguably the highest level of drag ever aired on television. The Vivienne was the sole UK representative.
She was incredible. Her Jinkx Monsoon rivalry (which was mostly friendly, let's be real) provided the season with some of its best comedic beats. But being on a season with legends like Shea Couleé and Raja meant the spotlight was crowded. After the show aired, she didn't just sit back and do brunch gigs. She used that global platform to launch into theater.
Taking on the West End and Beyond
The theater world is where she’s really been spending her time. She took on the role of The Wicked Witch of the West in the UK tour of The Wizard of Oz. This wasn't some tiny fringe production; this was a massive, high-budget musical.
Playing the Witch requires a very specific type of vocal grit and stage presence. She received rave reviews for her performance at the London Palladium. Honestly, if you haven’t seen her live, you’re missing out. Her voice is far more versatile than the "Cher impressionist" label would suggest.
She’s also been a fixture on Emmerdale for a cameo appearance, marking another moment where she bridged the gap between queer subculture and "gran’s favorite soap" territory.
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Dealing with Sobriety and Personal Growth
The Vivienne has been incredibly open about her past struggles with addiction. This is a huge part of her narrative that often gets glossed over by people looking for "tea." She’s been sober for years now, and she often speaks about how the party scene in the drag world can be a trap.
When you ask what happened to The Vivienne, the answer is often: she grew up.
She moved away from the late-night club circuit and focused on longevity. That’s why you see her on morning talk shows and in major theatrical productions rather than just doing 2 AM sets in Soho. It’s a deliberate career move. It’s about building a brand that lasts past the current season of whatever RuPaul is filming this month.
Why She’s Still the Blueprint
The Vivienne remains one of the most successful exports of the Drag Race franchise because she understands the business of being a celebrity. She isn't just waiting for the phone to ring. She’s out there auditioning, training, and clearly working on her fitness (her transformation during Dancing on Ice was pretty wild to see).
There’s a misconception that if a queen isn't on a "WowPresents Plus" show every week, they’ve disappeared. That’s just not how the real industry works. The Vivienne is currently one of the few queens who has successfully "crossed over" into the British mainstream consciousness.
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Common Misconceptions
- "She fell out with RuPaul." There is zero evidence for this. She’s been a recurring guest and remains one of Ru’s favorites.
- "She stopped doing drag." Absolutely not. She’s just more selective about the venues. You’re more likely to see her on a stage with a 2,000-seat capacity than a basement bar.
- "She moved to the US permanently." While she spends a lot of time in America for filming and events, her roots—and much of her work—remain firmly in the UK.
What’s Next for The Vivienne?
The trajectory is pointing toward more acting. With her experience in The Wizard of Oz and her various TV appearances, it’s only a matter of time before she lands a series regular role in a scripted drama or a major film. She has the range for it. She can do the campy villain, but she also has a vulnerability that works well on camera.
She’s also continued to be a voice for the LGBTQ+ community in the UK, especially during a time when trans rights and drag performances are under increased political scrutiny. She uses her platform to push back against the "drag is dangerous" narrative by being, well, a consummate professional who is beloved by families who watch Sunday night TV.
If you want to support her, the best thing to do is catch her on tour. Theater is her current playground, and that’s where she really shines.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following The Vivienne's career or want to see more performers like her, here is what you should actually do:
- Check Theater Listings: Don't just look at drag club schedules. Check ATG Tickets and major UK theater hubs. That is where her biggest performances are happening now.
- Watch Beyond the Edit: If you only know her from Drag Race, go back and watch her performances on Dancing on Ice. It gives you a much better appreciation for the physical labor involved in her craft.
- Support Sober Spaces: Since she is a vocal advocate for sobriety, look into LGBTQ+ events that aren't centered around alcohol. She has often highlighted how important these spaces are for the community's health.
- Report Online Hate: Following her McDonald's incident, she’s been active in encouraging people to report online and physical harassment. Don't be a bystander.
The Vivienne hasn't gone anywhere. She’s just leveled up. The "Vivienne" we saw in 2019 was a hungry competitor; the Vivienne of today is an established entertainer who doesn't need a crown to prove she's at the top of the food chain.