Professional skater Colin Grafton has expressed heartfelt gratitude toward Holly Willoughby for the kindness 

she showed him following the sudden passing of his former Dancing On Ice partner, The Vivienne. 

The American skater, who competed alongside the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner in 2023, 

revealed how much he struggled with the heartbreaking loss and how his fellow skaters, including Holly, supported him during an incredibly difficult time.

A Special Bond on the Ice

Colin and The Vivienne made history as the first same-sex partnership to compete on Dancing On Ice, capturing the hearts of viewers with their impressive performances. 

The duo made it to the final of the ITV competition in 2023, finishing in third place. However, beyond their success on the ice, Colin reflected on the deep friendship they formed throughout the experience.

Speaking about his late friend, Colin shared: “She taught me so much about myself and life. When you go through something as strenuous and as history-making as we did, it creates a special bond that you can never repeat. It was so special on every level.”

Following The Vivienne’s passing in January, Colin paid tribute in a meaningful way—choosing to wear one of the drag performer’s outfits from their time on the show, ensuring their legacy lived on in a space where they had made such an impact.

Coping with Devastating News

The news of The Vivienne’s passing broke on January 5, and for Colin, it was a moment of complete shock. He recalled that he was out to dinner with The Traitors star Mollie Pearce and her family when he learned of the tragedy. “To be honest, it’s been very difficult,” he admitted. “I was in shock.”

The heartbreaking revelation came just two days before the press launch of the latest Dancing On Ice series, leaving Colin struggling to process the loss while preparing to return to the rink. His family, who live in the United States, considered flying over to be with him, but he ultimately found solace in the company of his Dancing On Ice co-stars, who provided crucial support.

Holly Willoughby’s Thoughtful Gesture

Among those who reached out to Colin in the aftermath of The Vivienne’s passing was Dancing On Ice host Holly Willoughby. The presenter, known for her warmth and compassion, took the time to personally check in on Colin and offer her support.

“Holly was so lovely to me,” Colin shared. “She personally came up to me and asked me how I was doing about everything that happened at the beginning. It was really touching.”

The moment left a lasting impression on Colin, who has since expressed deep appreciation for the kindness he received from his colleagues. The support from his fellow professionals helped him navigate the overwhelming grief, making it clear that the Dancing On Ice family stood by him during one of the most difficult times of his life.

Remembering The Vivienne

The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, first rose to fame as the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. Their talent, charisma, and larger-than-life personality made them an icon in the drag and entertainment world, earning them a devoted fanbase.

Following their passing, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, with fellow drag artists, television personalities, and fans expressing their sorrow over the tragic loss. An official statement released on behalf of The Vivienne’s family conveyed the deep grief they were experiencing.

“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person,” the statement read. “Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”

Investigation into Their Passing

On February 12, an inquest into The Vivienne’s passing was opened at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington. It was revealed that the 32-year-old was found unresponsive in the bathroom of their home near Chester. A post-mortem examination determined that the cause of death was “unnatural,” leading to the adjournment of the inquest until June 30.

As the investigation continues, those who knew and loved The Vivienne continue to cherish their memory, celebrating their achievements and the impact they had on the drag and entertainment communities.

Colin’s Tribute and Moving Forward

In the wake of The Vivienne’s passing, Colin has continued to honor their memory, both on and off the ice. His decision to wear one of The Vivienne’s Dancing On Ice outfits was a heartfelt nod to their time together, ensuring their spirit remained a part of the show.

Despite the pain of losing his friend, Colin remains grateful for the love and support he has received, particularly from his Dancing On Ice colleagues. He continues to skate and perform, carrying forward the lessons he learned from The Vivienne and the unbreakable bond they shared.

The loss of The Vivienne is deeply felt across the entertainment world, but their legacy lives on through their groundbreaking work, the lives they touched, and the love they shared with those closest to them.

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