Latest news with #RuPaul's
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
The Vivienne found in bathtub by neighbour after lying dead in water for a ‘couple of days', inquest told
THE Vivienne was found in a bathtub by a neighbour after lying dead in the water for a "couple of days", an inquest heard today. James Lee Williams, who won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, was discovered at home near Chester on January 5. 7 The Vivienne was found dead on January 5 Credit: Getty 7 Tributes flooded in for the star 7 The Vivienne won the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK Credit: Getty The 32-year-old's family previously opened up about the star's battle with ketamine - revealing Williams died from a cardiac arrest after taking the drug. Cheshire Coroner's Court heard today that a neighbour had found Williams in the bath after friends were unable to get in touch with them. Janine Gobold said she had last spoken with Williams two days before their death when they arranged a shopping trip. She told the inquest she then received a call from the star's friend on January 5 asking if she had heard from them. Read more news Janine said she would use her key to check on Williams and immediately noticed there were no footprints in the snow that showed they had been outside. She added: "I went into the kitchen and Ryan [her son] went into the living room, we were calling his name and there was no answer. All the lights were on. 'As we got to the top of the stairs, Ryan went one way and I turned right. James' bedroom is there and there is a door to the ensuite. "I looked at James' bed which was all ruffled, I initially thought Panda [Williams' dog] had ragged the quilt on the bed. Most read in Showbiz 'And then I walked past James' bed and into the bathroom and saw James in the bath, he just looked like he was sleeping." Janine said she rushed over to stop their face going in the water then screamed at her son to call an ambulance. Dancing on Ice's Holly Willoughby pays touching tribute to The Vivienne following tragic death as new series begins Describing the scene at Williams' home, she said there was a Deliveroo bag in the kitchen but told the court she saw no evidence of drug taking. A paramedic who was called to the home said rigor mortis had already set in and it was evident Williams had been in the water for a "couple of days". Cheshire Police previously confirmed Williams' death was not being treated as suspicious. The inquest was told the star had a "significant history of substance misuse, including the use of ketamine, cocaine and alcohol." Williams' best friend Bobby Musker said in the days leading up to the tragedy, the pair had been sending memes, videos and voicenotes to each other. Bobby said Williams had been to Liverpool a couple of times, which he believes was to pick up ketamine. He last spoke to the drag queen on January 3 at 8.22pm in a video call. Bobby, who knew Williams for around 16 years, added: "I could kind of tell when he was on [ketamine], so I could tell he had taken some." The witnesses told how he received a call the following day from Williams' manager asking if anyone had heard from the star. After telling Janine to let herself into Williams' home, he then got a call from her screaming: "He's in the bath, he's in the bath." Bobby immediately drove to the home and spoke to paramedics, who asked what Williams' drug of choice was. He added: "Him taking drugs didn't define him as a person. He did so much for the good. "I don't want the public to see him just as what has happened, with drug use, that wasn't the person that defined him. There was a lot more to him." The tragedy was announced by publicist Simon Jones, who paid tribute to the "incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person". 7 Police confirmed they were not treating the star's death as suspicious Credit: Getty 7 The Vivienne finished third place on Dancing on Ice Sister Chanel Williams previously said Williams had "a really long period of sobriety" before relapsing, which the family only discovered after Williams' death. She said they will be working with the substance abuse charity Adferiad to raise awareness. Williams had spoken about their drug addiction on RuPaul's Drag Race UK. They said: "It was party, drugs, but I couldn't leave the drugs at the party, it was constant for me." He added that Williams would be remembered for their "immense talent" and "the light they brought to every room was astonishing". Williams won the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, which aired in 2019. They went on to compete in an all-winners season of the franchise in the US in 2022 - the only Brit to do so. Williams also starred on BBC Three show Hollywood in 2020 and appeared on Channel 4 's Celebrity Hunted For Stand Up To Cancer in 2022. In 2023, Williams came third place on Dancing on Ice - with judge Presenter Holly Willoughby also shared her heartache at the start of last month's new series. She said: "Before we move on, like us, many of you will have been saddened by the tragic news of The Vivienne's passing last weekend. "Now they were a huge part of our show, making it all the way to the final in 2023. "They'll be very sorely missed and our thoughts are with The Vivienne's loved ones at this time. So sad." RuPaul's Drag Race judge Williams was born in Wales but moved to Liverpool as a teenager to launch a career as a make up artist. They met husband David Ludford after moving to Gran Canaria in 2017. The couple announced their separation in April 2023. The inquest continues. 7 They also appeared on Celebrity Hunted, Emmerdale and Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway Credit: PA 7 Ex-husband David previously paid tribute Credit: instagram/
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 10: How to watch, TV channel, contestants, guest judges and more
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 10 is making some changes to its format when it premieres this Friday. This season will not only feature more All Stars than any other season – 18 of them! – it will also debut an all-new bracket-style competition. The queens will be divided into three groups of six and will compete within their brackets over the course of three episodes. When that period ends, the three queens with the most points from their group will move to the semifinals where they will sashay ever closer to the Drag Race Hall of Fame. This season features some truly jaw-dropping guest judges too, including Wicked duo Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, Chappell Roan, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 10 is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ this Friday, May 9, with two new episodes. New episodes will drop every Friday, and you can also catch episodes of the after-show, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Untucked immediately after. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch this season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars every week. Season 10 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars premieres on Friday, May 9. The show will premiere with two all-new episodes. Though new seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race air on MTV (and eventually arrive on Paramount+), RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars streams exclusively on Paramount+, so you'll need a subscription to watch. Paramount+ will be airing this season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars exclusively, so you'll need a subscription This season's RPDRAS judges will include all the usual suspects: Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, TS Madison and recurring judge Law Roach will all be in the building. They will be joined by a rotating cast of guest judges, too, including Ice Spice, Chappell Roan, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Colman Domingo, Kate Beckinsale, Susanne Bartsch, Adam Shankman, Jamal Sims, Mayan Lopez, Devery Jacobs and Sarah Michelle Gellar. This season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars will feature the largest group of queens in the show's history. They include: Acid Betty (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8) Aja (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 9, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 3) Alyssa Hunter (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14) Bosco (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14) Cynthia Lee Fontaine (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8, RuPaul's Drag Race Season 9) Daya Betty (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14) DeJa Skye (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14) Denali (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 13) Ginger Minj (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 7, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 2, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 6) Irene the Alien (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15) Jorgeous (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 9) Kerri Colby (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14) Lydia B. Kollins (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17) Mistress Isabelle Brooks (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15) Nicole Paige Brooks (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 2) Olivia Lux (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 13) Phoenix (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 3) Tina Burner (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 13) You can watch every season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Untucked, including the upcoming season 10, on Paramount+.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jiggly Caliente, RuPaul's Drag Race Star, passes away at 44: Know cause of her untimely death
Jiggly Caliente , beloved star of RuPaul's Drag Race , has tragically passed away at the age of 44. Born Bianca Castro , the performer's family confirmed her death in an emotional statement shared on Instagram on Sunday, April 27. Just days before her passing, Jiggly had undergone a leg amputation due to a severe infection. Her sudden loss has left fans and the Drag Race community heartbroken, as she was known for her vibrant personality and impactful presence on the show. Family Confirms Her Passing The family of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, better known to the world as Jiggly Caliente, announced with deep sadness that she passed away on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am. She was surrounded by her loving family and close friends during her final moments. Legacy of Love, Courage, and Light Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Are you ready to conquer a planet? Undo The family remembered Jiggly Caliente as a "luminous presence" in both entertainment and advocacy. They shared how she touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connections she built with fans worldwide. 'Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light. Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever,' the family statement continued. 'She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered.' Health Setback Leads to Amputation On April 24, Caliente's family confirmed that she had experienced a "serious health setback," revealing that a viral infection had led to the amputation of her right leg. The family also announced that Caliente would no longer be making public appearances or serving as a judge on the upcoming season of RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines . Rising to Fame on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4 Caliente rose to fame in 2011 as a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race season four. In 2016, she courageously came out as transgender, further inspiring her fans and the LGBTQ+ community. Fans Mourn Her Loss Following the heartbreaking news of Jiggly Caliente's passing, fans quickly took to social media to express their condolences. One fan wrote, 'My heart aches, I love you, I love you, I love you. It is my hope that you are at peace now.' Another shared, 'I love you so much, babes. Thank you for your friendship. You always made me laugh and lit up every room. Your laugh is my favorite, and I will always cherish you.' Fellow drag queen Ella Vaday expressed her shock over Jiggly Caliente's passing, sharing, "Omg so sad, always so sweet to me. Rest in Power, girl."
Global News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
‘RuPaul's Drag Race' star Jiggly Caliente dies after ‘severe infection'
Drag performer Bianca Castro-Arabejo, who was known as reality television star Jiggly Caliente on RuPaul's Drag Race, died Sunday at age 44, days after her family reported hospitalization for a serious infection. Castro-Arabejo, who became a judge on Drag Race Philippines in 2022, scrapped plans to appear on the upcoming season after a recent hospitalization for a 'severe infection' and a leg amputation surgery, her family said in a statement on her Instagram page. Story continues below advertisement She died early Sunday, her family said in another statement. 'A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,' her family said Sunday. 'She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.' Castro-Arabejo competed on the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and later on RuPaul's Drag Race Allstars. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay — always,' said a statement from RuPaul's Drag Race posted on X. 'We're holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.' Story continues below advertisement We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family. Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay—always. We're holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this… — RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) April 27, 2025 Born in the Philippines, Castro-Arabejo immigrated to New York. She started working in drag about 20 years ago, appearing in competitions and pageants. She noted the influence of her upbringing in her work and its importance for representation in the industry. In 2018, she released a hip-hop album called T.H.O.T. Process, including a track where she raps in Tagalog. During a 2023 episode of reality show Bring Back My Girls, which reunites different performers from the Drag Race franchise, Castro-Arabejo said her work as a judge was important because of her heritage. 'When it comes to my culture, I live and breathe that I am Filipina,' she said. 'I am a proud immigrant woman.' Story continues below advertisement She publicly came out as transgender in 2016 on a podcast, partly because she said she received letters from fans who were struggling with their own gender identities. 'I wanted to come out because I was ready to come out. I have been living as a trans woman for so long, but I just never told the audience and the fans that,' she said in a 2018 Billboard interview. 'I was actually transitioning while I was on the show, I just never talked about it. I didn't want it to be my storyline, because being a trans woman is not what defines me.'
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nymphia Wind Calls Joining 'RuPaul's Drag Race Live! 'a 'Full Circle Moment': 'Kinda Crazy' (Exclusive Video)' '
Nymphia WInd has performed on some pretty big stages, including the RuPaul's Drag Race finale (which she won) and for Taiwan's prime minister. But the season 16 champion of RuPaul's Drag Race could barely contain her excitement when joining the RuPaul's Drag Race Live! Vegas revue, and PEOPLE has an exclusive clip capturing the moment below: Nymphia is greeted with open arms outside the Flamingo Hotel by longtime Drag Race Live! performer Derrick Barry. "I'm so excited I'm finally here," Nymphia says before doing a twirl on the Strip underneath all the flashing lights. Her excitement turns to dismay when she learns the dressing rooms are up a long flight of stairs. "Every day we're going to go up these stairs," Derrick tells Nymphia during the backstage tour. Related: RuPaul's Drag Race Live! Celebrates 1000th Vegas Show, Creators Say It's 'More Important Now Than Ever' (Exclusive) "What do you mean? This is a workout!" Nymphia bemoans. "I can't make it! Can I move my dressing room downstairs?" "No," Derrick responds. "There are no dressing rooms downstairs." "But I'm a winner," Nymphia says to deaf ears. Nymphia isn't the only winner who has participated in the Drag Race Live!, which recently celebrated its 1000th performance. Previous winners in the Live! cast include season 10's Aquaria, 11's Yvie Oddly, season 12's Jaida Essence Hall, All Stars 6 winner Kylie Sonique Love, and Drag Race UK Season 2 winner Lawrence Chaney. Nymphia's castmates include Barry, Chaney, Bosco, Kennedy Davenport and fan favorite Latrice Royale. Nymphia shared with PEOPLE the special significance of the show. Related: Drag Race Star Who Wore Viral Banana Outfit to Emmys Reveals Kim Kardashian Inspired Look (Exclusive) "RuPaul's Drag Race Live was the first Vegas show I ever saw, before I even auditioned for Drag Race," Nymphia tells PEOPLE. "To grace the Flamingo stage as the reigning winner of Season 16 is such a full circle moment. Performing in Vegas is unlike anywhere else and I was so excited to hit the stage with my sisters every night. Tune in to RuPaul's Drag Race Live Untucked to watch the banana queen make her way into Sin City!" Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. All of their behind-the-scenes drama, battles and secrets from RuPaul's Drag Race Live! will be chronicled on RuPaul's Drag Race Live Untucked, which premieres April 16 worldwide on WOW Presents Plus. Watch a trailer for the upcoming season below: Fans can catch the actual show in real life at The Flamingo in Las Vegas. Read the original article on People
