'Heartbreaking' BBC documentary Dear Viv leaves viewers in tears after tragic death

Dear Viv, a new documentary about the late RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne, has left BBC viewers in tears.

The one-off special features moving interviews with friends and family of entertainer James Lee Williams AKA The Vivienne, who died in January aged 32 from cardio-respiratory arrest, due to the effects of ketamine.

As well as James' mother Cassie, father Lee and sister Chanel, a host of The Vivienne's Drag Race sisters, including Cheryl The Queen, and Baga Chipz share behind the scenes memories and reflections on how she became the guiding light of the British drag scene.

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Dear Viv also touches on the former Dancing on Ice finalists's struggles with addiction and how Williams sometimes neglected himself in favour of furthering The Vivienne’s future prospects.

The documentary has been dubbed as a "brilliant tribute" to The Vivienne that has left fans "sobbing all the way through".

Taking to social media, one fan penned: "Just watched Dear Viv about The Vivienne. Emotional, funny and such a brilliant tribute."

Another added: "A proper reminder of why they were so loved. Well worth a watch and tissues recommended."

A third penned: "Finished watching #DearViv and I’m in tears after seeing her friends and family celebrate how talented and how much of a phenomenal person she was Still doesn’t feel real that you’re gone, you’ll always be loved and never forgotten."

Someone else described Dear Viv as the most gut wrenching thing they had ever seen, adding that they had been "crying for 20 minutes". A fifth viewer also said that they had "sobbed all the way through" watching the emotional programme.

In addition to appearing on television, The Vivienne released music, including the extended play Bitch on Heels and acted on stage, notably as the Wicked Witch of the West in the 2024 UK tour of The Wizard of Oz.

James' family are working with drug charity Adferiad to raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of ketamine.

Following the tragedy, James' sister Chanel has campaigned tirelessly to highlight the risks of ketamine and push for it to become a Class A substance.

Dear Viv is streaming now on BBC iPlayer and WOW Presents Plus

Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction. Email frank@talktofrank. com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600 for the NHS has information about getting help