Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
You rocked it, babe
Nikki Grahame’s BB ex in tribute to tragic star
RELATIONSHIP Pete and Nikki
ON HOUSEMATE NIKKI
HEALTH BATTLE Nikki fought anorexia since teens
BIG Brother star Pete Bennett has paid an emotional tribute to former girlfriend and housemate Nikki Grahame, calling her a “true winner”.
The reality TV star died aged 38 on Friday after battling anorexia, and Pete, who won the 2006 series, posted a video saying: “We have lost a true character. “I thought, yeah we could save her, but we didn’t. But it’s OK, she’s in a good place and she’s not suffering any more. “All the love from us at Big Brother 7, we really love you Nikki, you were a true winner. You were really great, you f***ing rocked it babe. Just want to say we’ll miss you babe. See you later Nikki.” Former Big Brother host Davina Mccall said she was “desperately sad”, adding: “She really was the funniest, most bubbly, sweetest girl.”
Pete and Nikki’s unlikely relationship only lasted a month after the
show ended but they remained close. Despite finishing fifth, Nikki became one of its most recognisable contestants and is best remembered for her rant when housemate Susie Verrico put her up for eviction.
Furious Nikki told BB she felt “very venomous and angry”, storming: “‘Who is she? Who is she? Who is she? Where did you find her?”
Nikki later got her own show, Princess Nikki. She won a National Television Award and wrote two autobiographies.
London-born Nikki often spoke of her condition. She was recently treated at a clinic after a campaign run by friends and fans raised more than £69,000.
Pal Leon Dee said Nikki “touched the lives of millions”. Mum Sue Grahame said the pandemic “put the cap” on her condition, especially after gyms shut, adding: “She had terminal loneliness.”
Channel 4 said it was “desperately saddened”, adding: “For anyone suffering with eating disorders, help is available.”
She really was the funniest, sweetest, most bubbly girl DAVINA MCCALL