Category News

The BBC have announced that they are set to honour late Drag Race legend The Vivienne just months after the telly star tragically died aged 32

The Vivienne will be honoured in a special BBC programme, seven months after they died. The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK legend tragically died aged 32 in January this year, following a cardiac arrest due to ketamine use.

Now, seven months after the death of the Colwyn Bay-born star, the BBC have announced a special show, Dear Viv, to pay tribute. The Vivenne became the first star to win the UK edition of the programme in 2019, instantly becoming a fan favourite across the globe.

The project, which has the full backing of The Viv’s friends and family, will celebrate their journey from North Wales and Liverpool to the international stage. The film will delve into archive interviews, family photographs, family videos and unseen behind-the-scenes clips taken from the Drag Race archive.

Elsewhere, it will also follow The Vivenne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, as a young child and their rise to becoming one of the UK’s most famous drag queens, including their experience on Dancing On Ice and becoming the first-ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and their journey to West End fame as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz.

James’ parents and sister also share a touching tribute, alongside friends including Baga Chipz, Danny Beard, Tia Kofi, Cheryl Hole, and Trinity Truck. In the project, The Vivenne was described as a “world-class entertainer” and “an inspiration, mentor, and a teacher.”

But it will also touch on The Vivienne’s struggles with ketamine addiction. Chanel Williams, James’ sister, has since become a campaigner and raises awareness around the dangers of the drug, which is a Class B substance in the UK.

Speaking about the production, Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three, said: “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.”

Meanwhile, Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, co-founders of production firm World of Wonder, which also produces Drag Race 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.”

On January 6, officers from Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, on the previous day following reports of a sudden death. A coroner ruled that on the balance of probabilities, it is likely that The Vivienne died on the Friday and was not found and pronounced until the Sunday.

Dear Viv will be available from Thursday 28 August on BBC Three and Player

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

Sharon Osbourne has opened up about how husband Ozzy tenderly confided in her in the days after his performance in Birmingham which saw him inundated with love

Rocker Ozzy Osbourne confided to wife Sharon in his last days just how overwhelmed he was by the outpouring of love from fans after his final concert performance. Speaking just days before his death, Sharon said: “He turned around and he said to me that night, ‘I had no idea that so many people liked me.’” She added: “Ozzy’s always been in his own bubble.”

The Black Sabbath frontman died aged 76 on July 22 from a reported heart attack, just weeks after reuniting with the band on stage as part of The Back To The Beginning farewell concert in Birmingham. Reflecting on the day, Sharon said: ““For Ozzy to play with Bill [Ward] again, he was very, very emotional about that.”

She added to Pollstar: “It was a huge success, because it was a phenomenal event. It was the first time, I think, that anybody’s gone into retirement and done it, where the show is streamed and it goes to charity. “So it’s the first time anybody has said goodnight like that, it’s the perfect way, when you’ve had such a long career, to end it.

READ MORE: Ozzy Osbourne was ‘ready to go’ after battling physical torment and trauma, says pal

“I never wanted Ozzy to just disappear without some big event. And it’s the best way then to go home to where it all started, to go to his favorite stadium in the world, which is home to his beloved Aston Villa team, and it was just perfect. It was the perfect storm, put it that way. The metal fans are the most loyal fans in the world! When they’re a fan, you’ve got them for life. They don’t go anywhere.”

Sharon said it was extra special as “a lot of our old crew guys were with us who had been with us for years, so it was very, very emotional that way too. It wasn’t just what you saw on stage, but the guys behind the stage had been with us for years and years.”

Sharon said how she had to turn away bands offering to perform. “I had been talking about this two years ago, and then it became a reality. It was just amazing the way it happened. We sold 40,000 seats.It was all the big icons. I mean, we could have gone on and on with more bands, but there just wasn’t any more time. “

One stand out for Ozzy and Sharon was Yungblud’s cover of Changes. I loved Yungblud’s performance. That’s being released as a single. It’s a beautiful song.”

Meanwhile, a one-off, hour-long documentary that is a “moving and inspirational account of the last chapter” of Ozzy’s life is to air on the BBC. Titled Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, the August 18 programme is told through “unique and intimate access to the whole Osbourne family”, including Sharon, and children Kelly and Jack.

The programme has been filmed over three years and “captures the extraordinary rollercoaster of their lives” as the famous couple “attempt to complete their long-held dream of moving back to the UK”, the BBC said.

It also captures musician Ozzy as he “heroically battles to get fit enough to perform” and the family dealing with “the dramatic consequences of his ill health”, with Kelly quoted as saying in the film: “Iron Man wasn’t really made of iron.”

The rocker had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019. Clare Sillery, head of commissioning, BBC Documentaries, said: “We are honoured to have had the opportunity to film with Ozzy and his family.

“The film captures an intimate glimpse into their journey as they prepare to return to the UK. It features family moments, humour, reflection and shows the enduring spirit that made Ozzy a global icon. We hope it brings comfort and joy to Ozzy’s fans and viewers as they remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

Sharon Osbourne has opened up about how husband Ozzy tenderly confided in her in the days after his performance in Birmingham which saw him inundated with love

Rocker Ozzy Osbourne confided to wife Sharon in his last days just how overwhelmed he was by the outpouring of love from fans after his final concert performance. Speaking just days before his death, Sharon said: “He turned around and he said to me that night, ‘I had no idea that so many people liked me.’” She added: “Ozzy’s always been in his own bubble.”

The Black Sabbath frontman died aged 76 on July 22 from a reported heart attack, just weeks after reuniting with the band on stage as part of The Back To The Beginning farewell concert in Birmingham. Reflecting on the day, Sharon said: ““For Ozzy to play with Bill [Ward] again, he was very, very emotional about that.”

She added to Pollstar: “It was a huge success, because it was a phenomenal event. It was the first time, I think, that anybody’s gone into retirement and done it, where the show is streamed and it goes to charity. “So it’s the first time anybody has said goodnight like that, it’s the perfect way, when you’ve had such a long career, to end it.

READ MORE: Ozzy Osbourne was ‘ready to go’ after battling physical torment and trauma, says pal

“I never wanted Ozzy to just disappear without some big event. And it’s the best way then to go home to where it all started, to go to his favorite stadium in the world, which is home to his beloved Aston Villa team, and it was just perfect. It was the perfect storm, put it that way. The metal fans are the most loyal fans in the world! When they’re a fan, you’ve got them for life. They don’t go anywhere.”

Sharon said it was extra special as “a lot of our old crew guys were with us who had been with us for years, so it was very, very emotional that way too. It wasn’t just what you saw on stage, but the guys behind the stage had been with us for years and years.”

Sharon said how she had to turn away bands offering to perform. “I had been talking about this two years ago, and then it became a reality. It was just amazing the way it happened. We sold 40,000 seats.It was all the big icons. I mean, we could have gone on and on with more bands, but there just wasn’t any more time. “

One stand out for Ozzy and Sharon was Yungblud’s cover of Changes. I loved Yungblud’s performance. That’s being released as a single. It’s a beautiful song.”

Meanwhile, a one-off, hour-long documentary that is a “moving and inspirational account of the last chapter” of Ozzy’s life is to air on the BBC. Titled Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, the August 18 programme is told through “unique and intimate access to the whole Osbourne family”, including Sharon, and children Kelly and Jack.

The programme has been filmed over three years and “captures the extraordinary rollercoaster of their lives” as the famous couple “attempt to complete their long-held dream of moving back to the UK”, the BBC said.

It also captures musician Ozzy as he “heroically battles to get fit enough to perform” and the family dealing with “the dramatic consequences of his ill health”, with Kelly quoted as saying in the film: “Iron Man wasn’t really made of iron.”

The rocker had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019. Clare Sillery, head of commissioning, BBC Documentaries, said: “We are honoured to have had the opportunity to film with Ozzy and his family.

“The film captures an intimate glimpse into their journey as they prepare to return to the UK. It features family moments, humour, reflection and shows the enduring spirit that made Ozzy a global icon. We hope it brings comfort and joy to Ozzy’s fans and viewers as they remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”