The sudden and heartbreaking loss of The Vivienne,
the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, has left the drag community and fans in mourning.
Among the tributes pouring in, drag queen Baga Chipz has proposed an unconventional
but heartfelt idea: scrapping future seasons of the show and instead airing re-runs of The Vivienne’s iconic performances.
A Tribute to a Drag Icon
Baga Chipz, 35, who competed alongside The Vivienne in the debut season of the UK franchise in 2019, shared her thoughts while speaking to BANG Showbiz at RuPaul’s DragCon UK at ExCeL London.
She described The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, as an unparalleled talent and believes their legacy deserves to be celebrated in a unique way.
“I think we should not have any more drag queens on Drag Race UK anymore and just have re-runs of The Vivienne,” Baga suggested. “That would be so much better. We should just watch that.”
Baga’s sentiments underline the immense admiration she held for The Vivienne, whom she called “so fabulous.” Reflecting on their time together on the show, she said, “Some people have the look, the charisma, and the talent. I’d say I’m quite comedic and charismatic, but The Viv had it all.”
Remembering The Vivienne
The Vivienne, who tragically passed away on January 5 at the age of 32, made a lasting impression on fans and fellow queens alike. Known for their sharp wit, charisma, and memorable impersonation of Donald Trump, The Vivienne became a standout star and a symbol of excellence in the UK drag scene.
Baga fondly remembered their bond, noting how they would often sit next to each other during makeup sessions and share laughs. “You meet people in life, and you just gel,” she explained. “Viv and I were just a bit more [close]; you have your favorites, don’t you?”
Despite their statuesque and striking appearance, Baga highlighted The Vivienne’s down-to-earth nature. “People might have found her intimidating because she was tall and gorgeous, but she’d open her gob, and she’d do anything for anyone,” she said.
RuPaul and the Future of Drag Race UK
The Vivienne’s untimely death has also shaken the foundations of Drag Race UK. Reports suggest that RuPaul, the show’s iconic host, is deeply affected by the loss and is considering stepping back from the franchise.
RuPaul expressed his grief in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing, “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne – an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.” Alongside his words, RuPaul shared a touching photo of The Vivienne out of drag.
A close friend of RuPaul revealed that the tragedy has prompted the 64-year-old star to reevaluate his role in the UK series. “This has come like a bolt out of the blue for Ru,” the source said. “The Vivienne was one of his brightest stars, and everyone knows what a soft spot he had for them.”
The source also mentioned that RuPaul’s demanding schedule and advancing age have contributed to his deliberation. “He believes the show is in good hands with Michelle Visage, Alan Carr, and Graham Norton,” the insider added.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
The Vivienne’s impact on the drag world is undeniable, and the loss has left fans and the community questioning the future of the franchise. Baga Chipz’s proposal to honor The Vivienne with re-runs instead of new seasons may seem unconventional, but it highlights the deep respect and affection the drag community has for the late star.
As RuPaul reflects on his future with the show and fans come to terms with this significant loss, one thing remains clear: The Vivienne’s legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come. Whether through tribute re-runs or a renewed commitment to celebrating drag artistry, their contributions will not be forgotten.
For now, the drag world mourns but also cherishes the joy, laughter, and brilliance that The Vivienne brought to the stage and beyond.
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