Friends of Big Brother star Nikki Grahame have spoken of their heartbreak following her death at the age of 38. The TV personality, who had anorexia, died on Friday morning, her manager confirmed.
Former Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten, who had anorexia herself and founded SEED Eating Disorder Services Charity, fought back tears in a video message. 'I am so sorry Nikki to lose such a beautiful and bright human being... I wish I could have done more,' she said.
Friends posted on Nikki's fundraising page: 'It breaks our hearts to know that someone who is so precious was taken from us at such a young age. Nikki not only touched the lives of millions of people, but also her friends and family who will miss her immensely.'
Grahame, originally from Northwood in north-west London, took part in the seventh series of Big Brother in 2006. She was known for her tantrums and famous catchphrases such as 'It's so cold' and 'Who is she?' She finished in fifth place after being voted back into the house.
Last month, a fundraising page was set up to pay for her treatment, raising more than £65,000. Several Big Brother figures, including former winner Rylan Clark-Neal, retweeted the appeal. Tributes have poured in from Davina McCall, Paddy McGuinness, and Channel 4.
If you are affected by the issues in this story, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line and the charity Beat Eating Disorders.
