The Vivienne was true talent, says pride organiser

RuPaul's Drag Race UK star The Vivienne was a "true talent" and a "genuinely nice person", the organiser of a city's pride event has told the BBC.

The drag queen, whose real name was James Lee Williams, had been due to appear at an Oxford Pride event in February before her death last weekend.

Rob Jordan, the chair of Oxford Pride, said he had spoken to the performer just days before about her upcoming visit to the city.

It was going to be announced at the February event that The Vivienne would also headline the city's main pride celebrations in June, Mr Jordan said.

"James was a true talent - I was lucky enough to be able to call him James, and it's very sad," he said.

"He was one of the few drag queens that was able to cross boundaries into mainstream entertainment - I genuinely think he could have been the next Paul O'Grady."

The Vivienne, who starred in musical theatre and TV productions, won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019.

Mr Jordan said the performer had been "so kind and supportive" to the Oxford LGBTQ+ community, adding that she was "just a genuinely nice person".

Whilst speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, Mr Jordan also revealed plans for the city's next pride event on 7 June.

The circus-themed affair will take place in South Park, which Mr Jordan said gives it the ability to " expand and grow our footprint".

"Hopefully we've got the ability to attract more local artists, give them a place to showcase their talent, and we'll have everything all in one place," he said.

The event, which was first held in 2003, will remain free, but patrons will be asked for donations.

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