Nikki Grahame's mum says Big Brother 'saved her life' in an emotional new documentary
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As we sadly approach the one year anniversary of Nikki Grahame's death, a new Channel 4 documentary (Who Is She?) sees the reality star's loved ones discuss the impact that Big Brother had on her. Nikki's mother, Sue, even shares that she thinks the programme helped to "save her daughter's life" – it is widely known that Nikki, who was 38 when she died, had long suffered from anorexia.
At the time of Nikki's death, her friends had started a fundraising page in the hopes of affording her specialist treatment for her eating disorder, but sadly the BB star passed away before she could be readmitted to an appropriate treatment facility.
In the new Channel 4 show, Nikki's close friend, Carly Cunningham, says that Nikki's time in the house allowed her to feel a level of acceptance she hadn't previously encountered. "I don't feel like she felt very accepted by people ever in her life. And she finally felt [upon leaving the house to a great reception], 'I'm accepted. And this is for me and not my illness'. That was everything to Nikki."
Sue then adds, "Her fortunes turned around. I think Big Brother played quite a role in saving Nikki's life. I really do."
She explains that finding fame gave Nikki something else to focus on and be motivated by, when dealing with her illness. "When I’d seen Nikki so sick and close to death on many occasions, it’s like her whole fortunes turned around. From now on, she was going to be alright, you know? She suddenly came alive, I mean it introduced her to a totally different world out there. She was so busy."
Heartbreakingly, Nikki's close friends behind her fundraising page later went on to put the costs raised towards her funeral expenses, and supporting others with an eating disorder.
Nikki Grahame: Who Is She? airs on Thursday April 7 at 9pm on Channel 4.
Beat is the UK's leading charity dedicated to helping people with eating disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling and want to seek help, call their helpline on 0808 801 0677 or visit their website for more details.
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