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Big Brother's Nikki Grahame dies at 38

Former Big Brother UK star Nikki Grahame has died of complications from anorexia at the age of 38.

Nikki, who is one of the most well-known faces from the reality series, had been living with anorexia for years.

Nikki Grahame arriving at PINK London 2017 held at Zebrano on October 25, 2017 in London, England.The event hosted by the Pink Ribbon Foundation is the official London lunch party for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Former Big Brother UK star Nikki Grahame has died of complications from anorexia at the age of 38. Photo: Getty Images

Her death was announced on a GoFundMe account, which was set up by her family and friends recently in an attempt to raise money for life-saving care for the young star.

“It is with great sadness, we have to let you know that our dear friend Nikki passed away in the early hours of Friday 9th April,” the statement reads.

“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.”

Nikki Grahame runner up in the Ultimate big Brother Final on September 10, 2010 in Borehamwood, England.
Nikki had been living with anorexia for years. Photo: Getty Images

The GoFundMe account had raised $125,000 (£69,024) for Nikki, with the page stating she was in "a very bad way".

"The basic treatment Nikki has been receiving from the NHS is simply just not working for her so her only option now is to seek expensive intensive treatment at The Prioriy or a similar alternative facility alongside meticulous private therapy.”

It went on to say “Nikki made millions of us laugh during her happier days, now all we want is to see our Nik’s smile again”.

The organisers will now donate the money to an organisation helping those with anorexia.

Following the announcement of her death, tributes flooded social media, with the official Big Brother account releasing a statement saying: “Nikki Grahame was a much loved housemate and a huge part of the Big Brother family. We are shocked and saddened by this awful news and our thoughts are with her family.”

Nikki Grahame, Pete Bennett, Davina McCall and Dermot O'Leary with award for Most Popular Reality Programme at the National Television Awards 2006 at the Royal Albert Hall in west London.
Nikki appeared on Big Brother in 2006, gaining fame due to her temper tantrums and bubbly personality on the show. Photo: Getty Images

Nikki appeared on Big Brother in 2006, gaining fame due to her temper tantrums and bubbly personality on the show.

She was massively popular with viewers and finished in fifth place. Nikki also won a National Television Award for Most Popular TV Contender.

In 2010, she returned to the house to take part in Ultimate Big Brother, finishing in second place to Brian Dowling.

For confidential support about eating disorders and body image issues you can free call the Butterfly Foundation National Hotline on 1800 33 4673.

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