Big Brother Canada pays special tribute to ‘legend’ Nikki Grahame and urges fans to seek help

Big Brother Canada has paid a special tribute to Nikki Grahame after the reality star died last week aged 38.

On Friday April 9 Nikki died following a life-long battle with anorexia. Before her death, friends set up a fundraiser seeking help to provide the Big Brother star with specialist treatment.

As well as winning over viewers in the UK, Nikki appeared as a house guest on the fourth season of the Canadian version of the show. Presenter Arisa Cox has now sent a moving message to her friends, family and fans.

Speaking at the beginning of the most recent episode, Arisa said: ‘Hi everyone. Sadly we have lost a member of our Big Brother Canada family.

‘Nikki Grahame, who we were blessed to have as a house guest on our fourth season, passed away on Friday April 9th.’

Aris went on to say: ‘Now the world “legend” gets thrown around a lot, but there’s just no other way to describe Nikki Grahame. She will always be a Big Brother legend.

‘From the UK to Canada, she has paved the way for so many house guests to be uniquely and unapologetically themselves. Nikki was an absolute original who spread so much joy and laughter to millions of people all over the world.’

The presenter added: ‘We all send our love to her family and friends and anyone whose lives she touched even through a TV screen.’

Urging fans to seek help, Arisa added: ‘If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or mental health issues, please please reach out. It is never too soon or too late.’

‘From everyone in the Big Brother Canada family, we love you Nikki. Rest in peace.’

Following news of Nikki’s death, many Big Brother stars have shared loving tributes to the reality star, while host Davina McCall said she couldn’t ‘find the words’ in a post on Instagram.

Pete Bennett also revealed he got straight in a taxi and rushed to see Nikki before she died.

Pete and Nikki famously found love in the Borehamwood bungalow in 2006, and once he saw the GoFundMe page, he went straight to the facility where she was being treated.