“Nikki was so much more than a reality TV contestant.”
A new documentary coming to Channel 4 will honour the life and memory of Nikki Grahame, who passed away earlier this year.
Nikki had been sick with anorexia for several years. She was 38 years old.
According to a statement from Channel 4, the documentary will show that Nikki was a “complex woman who bravely battled anorexia for over 30 years”, behind her “bright and funny media persona”.
The show will include interviews from those who knew Nikki best, including her mother Sue.
Speaking ahead of the documentary, Sue said: “Nikki was so much more than a reality TV contestant, and I am looking forward to celebrating her short life in this documentary.”
Sue added that while the process will be “tough”, it will be important to make as Nikki was “one special girl – kind and smart with the biggest heart”.
The documentary’s executive producer Ollie Durant said that he is “honoured” to be making the film with Nikki’s family and friends.
Mr Durant said: “She was an amazingly kind, caring person who despite her own struggles, worked tirelessly to raise awareness of anorexia and the exponential rise of mental health issues in society today.
He added: “We hope this film is a fitting tribute to her legacy.”
Nikki shot to fame on the seventh season of Big Brother UK in 2006, which cemented her as a fan favourite. Viewers were fond of her bubbly persona, as well as her now iconic “Who is she?” rant in the Diary Room.
The star was also open and honest about her battle with the eating disorder anorexia. She outlined her journey in two books – Dying To Be Thin (2009) and Fragile (2012).
Shortly before her death, Nikki’s mum shared that her daughter’s anorexia had “spiraled” in lockdown. A GoFundMe page was set up to help raise funds for the star’s treatment.
