New documentary to celebrate life of trailblazing drag icon The Vivienne

The BBC is set to premiere a deeply moving documentary celebrating the life and legacy of British drag icon The Vivienne, titled Dear Viv, on 28 August. The film will air on BBC Three and iPlayer, and stream globally via WOW Presents Plus, offering fans an intimate portrait of the late performer whose impact on the drag world remains indelible.

Born James Lee Williams, The Vivienne rose to fame as the winner of the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. Her career was marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements, including becoming the first drag artist to compete on Dancing on Ice and starring in the 2024 UK tour of The Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West.

Produced by World of Wonder, the team behind the Drag Race franchise, Dear Viv blends archival footage, home videos, family photographs, and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes clips to chart her journey from a “cheeky” child in North Wales and Liverpool to a global drag sensation.

The documentary features interviews with The Vivienne’s parents, sister Chanel, and a host of drag royalty including Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, Tia Kofi, Trinity the Tuck, and Monet X Change. These voices reflect on her artistry, mentorship, and magnetic personality, describing her as “a world-class entertainer” and “a trailblazer in British drag”.

The film also addresses The Vivienne’s struggles with ketamine addiction, which tragically led to her death in January at the age of 32. Producers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato said: “Although she left us far too soon, her life was defined by her breathtaking talent, scene-stealing charisma, and infinite kindness. We wanted to celebrate The Vivienne, not just mourn her".

Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three, added: “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.”