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Big Brother star Nikki Grahame dies aged 38 after anorexia battle

Nikki Grahame attends the SpiceUp London VIP launch 2018 (Getty/Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Former Big Brother star Nikki Grahame has died. (Getty)

Former Big Brother contestant Nikki Grahame has died after suffering from anorexia.

The 38-year-old reality TV star was treated at a specialist hospital last month when her eating disorder got worse during lockdown.

Her death was confirmed on her GoFundMe page on Saturday, which had raised more than £65,500 for her treatment.

A statement read: “It is with great sadness, we have to let you know that our dear friend Nikki passed away in the early hours of Friday 9th April."

Watch: Big Brother star Nikki Grahame dies aged 38 after anorexia battle

The statement added: “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.

“We would like to request privacy at this difficult time, while Nikki’s friends and family process the sad news.

“Full details will be released as and when we know them.

“All donations have been greatly appreciated and it was heartwarming for everyone including Nikki to see how much she was loved.”

The Only Way Is Essex reality star Mario Falcone paid to Grahame, tweeting: “RIP Nikki Grahame. Sad news. Just 38 years old.”

Comedian Paddy McGuinness added: "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."

Read more: Nikki Grahame determined to 'get her life back’ as she enters treatment to beat anorexia

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - JUNE 12:  Nikki Grahame enters the Big brother house at Elstree Studios on June 12, 2015 in Borehamwood, England.  (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Nikki Grahame was one of the most loved Big brother contestants. (Getty)

Read more: Nikki Grahame on Anorexia battle: "I was used to walking around emaciated"

Last Month, Nikki's mum Susan Grahame told This Morning she was determined to get better.

She told hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby: "I spoke to Nikki this morning and she said, 'Mum, please stress how overwhelmed I am at people's kindness towards me'.

"'I just don't get it, but I am so grateful,' and she said, 'Also tell everybody that I'm going to try my level best this time to beat this. I want to get my life back'."

Grahame, who was a house member in series seven of Big Brother UK in 2006, has suffered from eating disorders since she was eight.

Her mum Susan added on This Morning: “I think she suffered so badly, because back in the day... we’re going back 31 years… I guess at that time people found it hard to believe that an eight year old could be a victim of this. There wasn’t the kind of treatment and the units that there are now, so we did struggle with this.”