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'Dear Viv' - BBC Plans ‘Fitting Tribute’ to Drag Icon The Vivienne
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
The BBC has announced that the highly anticipated documentary Dear Viv, celebrating the life and legacy of The Vivienne, will premiere on August 28 on BBC Three and iPlayer, with international availability on WOW Presents Plus. This tribute comes just months after the untimely passing of The Vivienne—born James Lee Williams—who at only 32 years old left an indelible mark on the world of drag and LGBTQ+ culture in the UK and beyond .
Dear Viv is produced by World of Wonder, the creative team behind the Drag Race franchise. The documentary is set to offer a “celebratory, deeply personal portrait of The Vivienne’s remarkable journey from their roots in North Wales and Liverpool to the global stage,” according to BBC statements .
The film will feature a blend of interviews with close friends and family, rare family photos, home videos, and exclusive behind-the-scenes Drag Race footage. It promises viewers an in-depth look at The Vivienne’s early life, career milestones, and enduring influence. The documentary highlights not only her rise from “cheeky toddler” to the winner of the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, but also her status as a trailblazer—becoming the first drag performer to compete on ITV’s Dancing on Ice and making her West End debut in The Wizard of Oz .
The Vivienne’s sudden death in January 2025, attributed to cardiac arrest linked to ketamine use, sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community and the broader entertainment world . Hundreds gathered in Liverpool for a public vigil, while global figures like RuPaul paid tribute at DragCon, underscoring the impact The Vivienne had as a role model and advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility .
BBC’s announcement emphasizes the intention for Dear Viv to serve as a “fitting tribute” that not only memorializes The Vivienne’s artistry and legacy but also “inspires everyone who watches it” . The documentary aims to reflect the trailblazing performer’s commitment to authenticity, breaking new ground for drag artists on mainstream television, and fostering greater acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities.
The Vivienne’s journey—from local clubs in North Wales to international fame—serves as a testament to the power of visibility and representation. By chronicling not only her triumphs but also her personal challenges, Dear Viv seeks to humanize the drag icon and highlight the broader struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community.
The documentary also explores The Vivienne’s participation in the first all-winners season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, as well as her advocacy for mental health and substance use awareness—topics that resonate deeply within the community .
By interweaving archival material with new interviews, Dear Viv provides a multi-faceted look at a performer who not only entertained millions but also helped pave the way for greater inclusion and acceptance. In the words of the BBC, the film “showcases her artistry and talent brilliantly and paved the way for many to follow in her footsteps” .
Dear Viv will be broadcast on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer from August 28, 2025, making it accessible to UK audiences, with international streaming available through WOW Presents Plus .
As the LGBTQ+ community and allies prepare to honor The Vivienne’s legacy, Dear Viv stands as a timely and affirming celebration of a life lived authentically—and a reminder of the impact one voice can have in the ongoing journey toward equality and visibility.
