Entertainment
Nikki Grahame dead: Paddy McGuinness and Jedward lead tributes as Big Brother star dies aged 38
Stars including Paddy McGuinness and Jedward have paid tribute following the news that Big Brother icon Nikki Grahame has died at the age of 38.
On Saturday, it was confirmed that Nikki had died following a battle with anorexia.
A representative for the reality star told Metro.co.uk: ‘It is with immeasurable sadness that Nikki Grahame passed away in the early hours of Friday, April 9 2021.
‘Please respect the privacy of Nikki’s friends and family at this tragic and difficult time.’
Several celebrities who knew Nikki have expressed their sadness over her death, comedian Paddy McGuinness tweeting: ‘Bloody hell, just read the sad news about Nikki Grahame. Definitely one of the stars from the glory years of reality tv. I met her a long time ago and she was a lovely girl. RIP young lady.’
Jedward wrote: ‘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.’
Blue star Antony Costa tweeted: ‘Such sad news about Nikki Graeme devastated…What a beautiful person she was, condolences to her loved ones xxxxxx.’
Singer Joe McElderry said that he was ‘grateful to have spent many fun times’ with Nikki, stating: ‘My thoughts are with her family. Rest in Peace lovely girl.’
Big Brother star Mark Byron also said: ‘Most awful news about Nikki Graham. Really heartbreaking, she genuinely is an icon and I’m unbelievably blessed to have been lucky enough to work with her over the years. She lead the way for all of us BB housemates.’
Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, who appeared on the seventh series of Big Brother, shared a picture of Nikki, alongside the caption: ‘I can’t breathe.’
Emmerdale star Natalie Ann Jamieson also wrote: ‘Oh my goodness, I’m so sad to hear of the passing of Nikki Grahame, such a cruel illness! Really sad!!’
A fundraiser was previously set up by Nikki’s friends to try and help her with her anorexia battle.
In an update, they wrote that she ‘passed away in the early hours of Friday 9th April’.
‘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,’ their statement said.
‘We would like to request privacy at this difficult time, while Nikki’s friends and family process the sad news.’
Nikki starred on the seventh series of Big Brother in 2006, finishing in fifth place.
BEAT
If you suspect you, a family member or friend has an eating disorder, contact Beat on 0808 801 0677 or at help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk, for information and advice on the best way to get appropriate treatment
