Tributes to ex-big Brother contestant who died aged 38

The former Big Brother host Davina Mccall has described Nikki Grahame as "iconic" following her "really tragic" death at the age of 38.

The presenter wrote yesterday: “I can't find the words... it's just really tragic. She was iconic. In the true sense of the word. Whose catchphrases will be with me forever. Sending so much love to her friends and family. I'm so sorry. The pain you and she must have endured."

Grahame, from Northwood in London, had recently received treatment for an eating disorder at a clinic after a fundraising campaign raised more than £69,000.

Fellow Big Brother 7 housemate Pete Bennett, with whom

Grahame formed a relationship on the show in 2006, also shared a tearful video addressing her death.

He said: "I thought to myself, yeah, we could save her. But we didn't." He added: "We have lost a true character. Our series just wouldn't have been the same without her."

Holding up a bottle of wine, he concluded: "We really love you, Nikki. You were a true winner. You were great. You f ****** rocked it, babes. Just want to say, we'll miss you babe. See you later Nikki."

Grahame's death was confirmed by her representative on Saturday. The statement said: "It is with immeasurable sadness that Nikki Grahame passed away in the early hours of Friday, April 9, 2021."

Grahame appeared on the seventh series of the reality TV show in 2006, and despite finishing fifth became one of its most recognisable contestants.

She secured her own show, Princess Nikki, won a National Television Award for most popular TV contender and published two books, the autobiographies Dying to be Thin and Fragile.

In her books, Grahame detailed how she developed anorexia as a teenager and struggled with the condition throughout her life, spending time in hospital on a number of occasions.

After Big Brother, she often spoke publicly about her battle with the eating disorder.

Her mother Sue Grahame said last week that her daughter's condition deteriorated after the gyms closed during the pandemic.