Channel 4 to release moving documentary on the life and death of Nikki Grahame

First rising to fame as one of the housebound competitors on the 2006 season of Big Brother, Nikki Grahame quickly cemented her status as one of TV’s favourite personalities. Ultimately finishing in fifth place, not winning was no reflection on her popularity and she remains as one of the show’s most memorable contestants to date. 

However, behind the scenes, Nikki spent many years dealing with the effects of an eating disorder and tragically passed away in April this year. Recently announcing that they’ve commissioned a new documentary all about the star, Channel 4 confirmed that they’re currently working on a project that will give fans a more “intimate look at the life of Nikki Grahame”. 

Teaming up with Angel Eye Media and award-winning director Jane Preston for the project, several of Nikki’s nearest and dearest will feature throughout – including her mother Sue Grahame who is keen for the world to remember her as more than just an “icon of the golden age of reality television”. 

Admitting that though “it will be tough” to reflect back on her daughter’s short life, she is “looking forward to celebrating” her all the same. “Nikki was one special girl – kind and smart with the biggest heart – and I know Jane and Angel Eye will do her proud,” Sue said in a statement. 

A short description for the upcoming documentary reads: 

“Feisty, volatile and unapologetic, she was an inspiration to millions – and when Nikki uttered her immortal line on Big Brother: “Who IS she?! Who IS she?!”, she became a TV legend. Behind the bright and funny media persona, Nikki was a complex woman who bravely battled anorexia for over 30 years. Her illness reached crisis point during the UK’s third national lockdown and, tragically, Nikki lost her fight for life on Friday 9th April 2021.”

According to Ollie Durrant, executive producer of the documentary, the team is “honoured” to be involved in this “important” project. “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.” 

.@Channel4 has commissioned an intimate look at the life of Nikki Grahame, icon of the golden age of reality television: https://t.co/uquE0SbIhz pic.twitter.com/WwuTqlMmQu

— Channel 4 Press (@C4Press) August 16, 2021

The Nikki Grahame special comes not long after the channel released a similar documentary on the life and death of Caroline Flack this past March. Paying tribute to “one of Britain’s biggest stars”, the emotional release premiered just days after the one year anniversary of her death. 

Exploring both the public and private life of the former Love Island presenter, it included interviews from many of Flack’s closest friends and family members – her mother, twin sister and good pal Olly Murs, amongst others. 

No release date for the Nikki Grahame documentary has been announced as of yet but it’s likely to be sometime next year.

Feature image via @nikkigrahameofficial