Nikki Grahame death: Davina McCall and Pete Bennett lead tributes to Big Brother star, who has died at 38

Former Big Brother host Davina McCall has led the tributes to reality TV star Nikki Grahame, following her death aged 38.

Grahame, who rose to fame as a Big Brother contestant in 2006, had recently received treatment for an eating disorder at a specialist clinic following a fundraising campaign organised by friends and fans.

She died in the early hours of Friday and her death was announced on Saturday evening.

McCall, who hosted the reality series when it aired on Channel 4, tweeted she was “so desperately sad to hear” the news.

She added: “My thoughts are with her friends and family xx she really was the funniest, most bubbly sweetest girl x”.

Pete Bennett, who won Grahame’s original series of Big Brother and briefly dated her on and off the show, wrote on Instagram that he felt like he’d “lost a family member”.

“Even through our ups and downs we have still remained close through the years, and it was so nice to visit again recently with my girlfriend, sing Kate Bush songs and have fun like the good old days! I’m just sad that it was the last song we ever sang.

“Thank you for the memories my friend, you will sorely be missed, I hope you’re not hurting anymore and finally at peace. I’ll see you in heaven, Nikki.”

Rylan Clark-Neal, who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and hosted spin-off show Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, said on Twitter: “Thinking of Susan and Nikki’s close friends and family. A Big Brother Icon.”

Marcus Bentley, the long-standing narrator of Big Brother, referenced Grahame’s catchphrase on the show.

He wrote: “‘Who is she’? The best housemate ever! Night, night Princess Nikki!”

Cheryl Hole, a contestant of RuPaul’s Drag Race, tweeted: “I had the absolute pleasure of working with Nikki Grahame last year! She was an absolute joy, an icon like no other and will be so deeply missed! RIP Nikki”.

Former Celebrity Big Brother contestants, Jedward, also tweeted: “Rip Nikki Grahame. As fellow Big Brother contestants we’ve gone through the same experience and having met you on tv shows! our heart goes out to your family and friends.”

“Anorexia is a very serious issue and lives are being lost every day. Please check in with your loved ones and get the help and love you deserve,” added the duo. “Respect and strength to all effected.”

Former Big Brother Canada contestant Arisa Cox said of her friend: “HEARTBROKEN to hear this devastating news that the incredible force of nature that is Nikki Grahame has passed away. We messaged some love to each other just a few weeks ago and I cannot believe this is happening. We love you Nikki”.

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