The Vivienne's ex-husband David seen for first time since star's tragic death
David Ludford revealed how 'hurt' he was after the death of The Vivienne, and had the support of a reality TV star friend as he broke cover at a trendy Manchester bar
David Ludford revealed how 'hurt' he was after the death of The Vivienne, and had the support of a reality TV star friend as he broke cover at a trendy Manchester barThe Vivienne was married to David Ludford from 2019 to 2023, after meeting in Gran Canaria (
Image: Getty Images)
The Vivienneâs ex-husband, David Ludford, 34, has made his first public outing since the starâs tragic death.
Drag Race UK star Viv died at the age of just 32 on January 5, with police officers called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, ascertaining there were no suspicious circumstances at the scene of her death. David was married to The Vivienne - real name James Lee Williams - from 2019 to 2023, and admitted his âheart sankâ when he heard the news of their passing.
A couple of weeks on, David broke his time in private to enjoy a night out with Married at First Sight star Holly Ditchfield. The wig maker was all smiles as he posed outside Blvd bar in Manchester, glowing in a full face of makeup and sparkling jewelry. He wore a sheer black Dior shirt, paired with black trousers and Doc Martens, and held onto Hollyâs hand as they entered the club.
David Ludford made his first public outing at Blvd bar in Manchester, joined by Married at First Sight's Holly Ditchfield (
Image:
AARON PARFITT / BACKGRID)
The wig maker previously revealed that he heard about The Vivienne's death in a heartbreaking phone call (
Image:
AARON PARFITT / BACKGRID)
David and Viv met in 2017, after the Drag Race star moved to Gran Canaria in a bid to get clean after battling an addiction to ketamine while working on Liverpool's club scene. The star had sought help from an NHS centre in Liverpool, but credited the move to Spain and meeting David - who worked as a waiter at Sparkles Show Bar in Las Palmas - with fully changing their life.
They went on to become the first couple to tie the knot at famous London gay club Heaven in December 2019. In April 2023, David and James parted ways and had an amicable split after drifting apart, but made it clear there was no bad blood.
The Vivienne confirmed their break-up, writing on Instagram: "As many may have noticed, David and I have been apart recently. We have made the decision to part ways after an amazing five and a half years. We are still very much friends, but sometimes life gets in the way and people grow apart.
âWe wish each the absolute best and will always be part of each others lives. We'd ask that you please respect our privacy at this time. Thank you. James and David."
Viv credited David with helping them get sober, and the couple shared that they were still friends after their divorce (
Image:
@d.ludford/Instagram)
At the time of Vivâs death, David opened up about the love he still held for his ex-husband. He wrote on social media: âMy heart literally sank when I got the call. Never in a million years did I ever think I'd ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams. This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria! ! We literally clicked straight away and we knew we was going to be together for along time! ! He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone.
"We literally went through and did so much together it was like a whirlwind and I wouldn't have changed the time we spent together for anything In The world! ! ! I feel like a tit feeling this upset and hurt because we have been fully divorced for just over a year now but we was togther 6 year and we loved each other so much and you can't take away."
David continued: "I'm so happy to say I not only met you but we was together, we was husbands and you was the biggest part of my life for such a long time. 6 years is such a long time to spend 24/7 with. You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel."
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