Nikki Grahame dies aged 38

Trigger Warning: The following article contains reference to eating disorders which some people may find distressing. If you or some one you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please don’t suffer in silence. Help is available and we have provided contact details for organisations at the end of this article.

The agent of former Big Brother housemate Nikki Grahame have today confirmed the tragic news that she has passed away following a long battle with anorexia at the age of 38.

The infamous Big Brother star shot to fame when she entered the house as a housemate on the 7th series of the UK reality behemoth that is Big Brother.

Nikki’s passing comes following a long battle with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder with which Nikki has struggled most of her life. Nikki had sought treatment on many occasions and recently received the backing of Big Brother fans worldwide, after a GoFundMe page was setup to gather much needed donations to help Nikki receive private treatment. Just under £70,000 was donated in under a month, showing just how loved Nikki is within the community.

Following her passing, her agent released a brief statement:

“It is with immeasurable sadness that Nikki Grahame passed away in the early hours of Friday 9 April 2021.Please respect the privacy of Nikki’s friends and family at this tragic and difficult time.”

Nikki became an instant fan favourite during her time within the Big Brother house, gaining notoriety for her many rants in the diary room. Following her original stint in the house, Nikki went on to appear in numerous other editions of the show, including an appearance in the Canadian version alongside BBAU housemate and former winner, Tim Dormer.

Just last week, in an interview with This Morning, the reality TV stars mother told of how Nikki was struggling with the closure of gyms due to the ongoing global pandemic:

“With COVID, it sounds crazy but stuff like gyms closing impacted her. In order for her to eat she needs to know she can exercise, so when they closed it was quite a worry, the isolation as well.

I asked her if she would come and stay with me but she said she needs to be in her home. She felt very cut off and spending too much time on her own with not enough to think about other than food.

It all came to a grinding halt.”

Nikki is a much loved reality star and public persona and her absence will be felt greatly amongst the Big Brother Community.