Reality TV star Nikki Grahame, who rose to fame as a contestant on Big Brother, has died at the age of 38.

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

Former Big Brother host Davina McCall has led the tributes to the reality TV star.

Grahame, who rose to fame as a Big Brother contestant in 2006, had recently received treatment for an eating disorder at a specialist clinic following a fundraising campaign organised by friends and fans.

McCall, who hosted the reality series when it aired on Channel 4, tweeted she was “so desperately sad to hear” the news.

She added: “My thoughts are with her friends and family xx she really was the funniest , most bubbly sweetest girl x”.

Stars from the world of television who had met Grahame or worked with her also remembered her, with Coronation Street’s Daniel Brocklebank tweeting: “I’m deeply saddened to hear that Nikki Grahame has passed. We hung out a few times. The last time on stage together at Manchester Pride. A sweet, kind & fun lady. My love & thoughts go out to all who knew & loved her.”

Top Gear host Paddy McGuinness also remembered her, tweeting she was “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.”

Former X Factor star Joe McElderry said he was “grateful to have spent many fun times together” with Grahame, adding in a tweet: “My thoughts are with her family. Rest in Peace lovely girl.”