Nikki Grahame
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{{Infobox_Celebrity
| name = Nikki Grahame
| image = Nikki Grahame1.jpg
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|04|28}}
| birth_place = [[Watford]], [[England]]
| death_date =
| occupation = [[Reality television|Reality TV star]]
| salary =
| networth =
| website = [http://www.specialnikkigrahame.com/ www.specialnikkigrahame.com]
|}}
'''Nicola Rachele-Beth Grahame'''<ref name="dob" >England and Wales Birth Index, 1837-1983; district Brent, volume 11, page 1494, quarter April/May/June</ref> (born [[April 28]] [[1982]])<ref name="dob"/> from [[Watford]], [[Hertfordshire]]<ref name="village" >{{cite web | url = http://www.myvillage.com/pages/celebs-bigbrother-7-nikki.htm | title= Nikki Grahame | publisher = myvillage.com | author = | date = | accessdate=2007-04-09}}</ref> rose to fame in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] when she was chosen to be a housemate on ''[[Big Brother (UK series 7)|Big Brother 7]]'' in 2006. A former [[model]] and promotions girl, Grahame has become renowned for throwing temper [[tantrum]]s<ref name="e4" >{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5217170.stm | title= E4 show for Big Brother's Nikki | publisher = [[BBC]] | author = | date = [[2006-07-26]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> — behaviour that divided viewer opinion during her time on ''Big Brother''<ref>{{cite web | url = http://theinternetforum.co.uk/node/1178 | title= Nikki Grahame sent hopping from Big Brother 7 house | publisher = TheInternetforum | author = | date = [[2006-07-14]] | accessdate=2007-04-06}}</ref> and subsequently led to her being given her own [[reality television]] show entitled ''[[Princess Nikki]]''.<ref name="e4"/>
Grahame spent most of her [[adolescence]] in [[psychiatric hospitals]], battling with the [[eating disorder]] [[anorexia nervosa]], a condition that left her [[coma]]tose and near death at the age of 12.<ref name="Official story" >{{cite web | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2006320767,00.html| title= The official Nikki story | publisher = The Sun | author = Iggulden, Caroline | date = [[2006-07-17]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> The ''Big Brother'' production company, [[Endemol]], was criticised for including her in the programme and endangering her fragile mental state in favour of viewing figures.<ref name="minutes" >{{cite web | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2001290023-2006300564,,00.html | title= Nikki minutes from death | publisher = The Sun | author = Brook, Sally | date = [[2006-07-04]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref>
== Early life ==
Nikki Grahame and her older sister Natalie<ref name="jack" >{{cite web | url = http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20060625/ai_n16504856 | title= Jade's Jack swept she had a massive | publisher = [[Sunday Mirror]] | author = Hodgson, Grant | date = [[2006-06-25]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> were born to parents Susan and David Grahame.<ref name="gf" >{{cite web | url = http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20060528/ai_n16435864 | title= Nik's lost grandpa tunes in | publisher = Sunday Mirror | author = Hodgson, Grant | date = [[2006-05-28]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> Grahame describes her childhood as the "happiest ever",<ref name="Official story"/> however a series of upsets followed, when at the age of eight, her parents divorced and her grandfather, whom she was extremely close to, died from [[cancer]].<ref name="Official story"/> Grahame was raised by her mother, Susan, after her parents' separation.<ref name="gf"/> Grahame — who has been described as a "daddy's girl" — was really hurt by the split.<ref name="jack"/> During this time Grahame attended [[gymnastics]] classes and began showing early symptoms of the eating disorder anorexia — feeling inadequate and fat in her leotard. She began cutting out food as a means of gaining control and keeping her mother close to her.<ref name="Official story"/>
===Anorexia nervosa===
Grahame's disorder continued to escalate until her parents had her admitted to the children’s eating disorders unit at the Maudsley psychiatric hospital in [[London]].<ref name="Official story"/> She was kept in for six weeks and then released, however she continued to starve herself and several months later she was rushed to an emergency unit at [[Hillingdon Hospital]], [[Greater London]], where she was [[force-feeding|force-fed]] through a nasal tube.<ref name="Official story"/> She was then transferred to Collingham Gardens child and family psychiatric unit in West London, where her weight was increased and after eight months she was allowed home.<ref name="Official story"/> For 18 months Grahame remained at home and attended Northwood secondary school in Hillingdon, [[West London]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.people.co.uk/news/news/tm_objectid%3D17211775&method%3Dfull&siteid%3D93463-name_page.html | title= EAT OR DIE | publisher = The People | author = Walker, Alice | date = [[2006-06-11]] | accessdate=2007-04-09}}</ref> before her weight started dropping once again.<ref name="Official story"/> She was readmitted to Collingham Gardens for six months and then to [[Great Ormond Street Hospital]] in London where she was placed on a psychiatric and eating disorders ward.<ref name="Official story"/>
Grahame refused to accept treatment willingly and has commented: “I was on a mission to starve myself to death...I was obsessed."<ref name="Official story"/> This culminated in several [[suicide]] bids, when at the age of 12, she stole a packet of [[paracetemol]] from the hospital's supplies and swallowed 22 pills. Shortly after, Grahame's weight dropped so low that she fell into a coma and at one stage doctors predicted that she was minutes from death.<ref name="Official story"/> Grahame was force-fed via a tube that was stitched inside her stomach, but when she regained consciousness she continuously tried to remove the feeding apparatus and her weight subsequently dropped to 2 stones 9lb (37lbs), which her doctor claimed was the worst case of anorexia he had come across in 32 years.<ref name="Official story"/>
Grahame was eventually admitted to Rhodes Farm, an eating disorders clinic in Mill Hill, North London, and after six months she began showing signs of improvement. She commented: "I woke up one morning and thought, ‘What are you doing to yourself?’."<ref name="Official story"/> At the age of 16 Grahame had increased her weight to 6st {{convert|4|lb|abbr=on}} and was released from the clinic, though she relapsed again aged 18 and spent time in an adult eating disorder ward.<ref name="Official story"/> While she was overcoming her eating disorder, she developed [[obsessive-compulsive disorder]] (in her case involving a [[chronic (medicine)|chronic]] fear of [[germ]]s), which she still battles with today.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.people.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=17393234&method=full&siteid=93463&headline=exclusive--big-brother-nikki-lashes-out-name_page.html | title= Big Brother Nikki Lashes Out | publisher = [[The People]] | author = Swan, Melanie | date = [[2006-07-16]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> Owing to her anorexia, her body never went through puberty properly. She revealed on Channel 4's ''Supersize vs. Superskinny Me'' that she had never had a period and never will, owing to her ovaries not having matured properly, and as a consequence, will never be able to have children.
==Career==
Before Grahame rose to fame on ''Big Brother'', she had appeared as a [[Extra (actor)|supporting artist]] in the [[BBC]] [[soap opera]] ''[[EastEnders]]'',<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20060613.shtml | title= Big Brother star was an extra | publisher = [[BBC]] | author = | date = [[2006-07-15]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> and played a footballer's wife in [[Sky One]]'s ''[[Dream Team (TV series)|Dream Team]]''.<ref name=bi>{{cite web | url = http://www.bicommunitynews.co.uk/79/bimedia.html | title= BiMedia:Nikki Grahame | publisher = [http://www.bicommunitynews.co.uk/index.html Bicommunitynews.co.uk] | author = | date = [[2006-05-21]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> She was also featured in [[Sky One]]'s ''Ibiza Uncovered''-esque holiday show, ''Sex On The Beach'', where a camera crew followed her around [[Kavos]] on the Greek island of [[Corfu]], recording her late night boozy antics in the local bars and clubs. In 2003, she was a contestant on the ITV dating show ''[[Blind Date (UK TV series)|Blind Date]]''; however, the person she got matched with was not impressed with his pairing, commenting: "Everyone's got a right to be dozy, but Nikki abused it."<ref name=BB-Nikki>{{cite web | url = http://www.biogs.com/bigbrother/nikki.html | title= Biogs: Nikki Grahame | publisher = [http://www.biogs.com/ Biogs] | author = | date = [[2007-02-22]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://showbiz.sky.com/showbiz/article/0,,50001-1236865,00.html| title= Which BB Star Did Blind Date?| publisher = Sky Showiz | author = | date = [[2006-10-11]] | accessdate=2008-01-16}}</ref> In addition, Grahame, who has an [[NVQ]] in [[beauty therapy]], also took part in the 2004 Miss Hertfordshire pageant, where she came fourth.<ref name="BB-Nikki"/> Grahame had numerous jobs before she became publicly known, including working as a dancer, a promotions girl<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003230001-2006330467,00.html | title= Pining Nikki sobs for Pete | publisher = The Sun | author = Nathan, Sarah | date = [[2006-07-20]] | accessdate=2007-04-09}}</ref> and a [[glamour model]].<ref name=bi/>
In August 2006, Grahame confessed to ''[[The News Of The World]]'' that she had previously been employed as a high-class escort or 'vice girl'. She alleged that one of her clients was the [[Babyshambles]] frontman [[Pete Doherty]]. Despite being paid £500, she denies having sexual intercourse with him, claiming that as soon as she heard she was to have sex with him she quit immediately, and that he was too altered by [[drugs]] to perform anyway.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://news.sawf.org/Entertainment/18721.aspx | title= Pete Doherty paid 500 pounds for sex with Big Brother star! | publisher = [http://news.sawf.org/default.aspx Sarf News] | author = | date = [[2006-08-20]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref>
===''Big Brother''===
[[Image:Nikki g.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Nikki Grahame entered the ''Big Brother'' house dressed as a [[Playboy Bunny]].]]
In May 2006 Grahame became one of the original contestants on the UK's seventh series of the popular reality television show ''[[Big Brother (UK)|Big Brother]]'', entering the house wearing a pink [[playboy bunny]] outfit.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003230001-2006230356,00.html | title= BB babes are luvly bruvly | publisher = [[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]] | author = White, Richard | date = [[2006-05-20]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> While on the show she became known for her [[wiktionary:histrionics|histrionics]] (such as temper tantrums) and becoming romantically linked to the eventual winner of Series 7, [[Pete Bennett]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5265412.stm | title= Profile: Big Brother winner Pete Bennett | publisher = BBC | author = | date = [[2006-08-16]] | accessdate=2007-04-06}}</ref>
During her stay in the ''Big Brother'' house, tabloid newspapers revealed that Grahame had battled with the [[eating disorder]] [[anorexia nervosa|anorexia]] for the majority of her adolescence, and had attempted [[suicide]] by taking an overdose of [[paracetamol]] several times.<ref name="minutes"/> The programme's decision to include a contestant with prior mental health issues was criticised in the media, with experts suggesting that she should not have been allowed to take part.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/08/20/nbruv20.xml | title= Three Big Brother contestants should not have taken part | publisher = [[Telegraph]] | author = Hastings, Chris | date = [[2006-08-21]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> In addition, various behaviour exhibited by Grahame — such as a high susceptibility to cold; eating food with a teaspoon; looking for reassurance about her body shape and an obsessive need for bottled water — have been directly linked to her anorexia.<ref name="minutes"/> Endemol, the company behind ''Big Brother'', were accused of endangering their contestant’s mental state in favour of viewing figures and Deanne Jade, founder of the National Centre Of Eating Disorders, branded them "scurrilous".<ref name="minutes"/>
Grahame was nominated for eviction four times during her initial stay in the ''Big Brother'' house and was eventually evicted on Day 58<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.headliners.org/storylibrary/stories/2006/bigbrothergoesoverboard.htm | title= Big Brother goes overboard | publisher = Headliners | author = McLaughlin, Sharon | date = | accessdate=2007-04-09}}</ref> with 37.2% of the public vote.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5180636.stm| title= Nikki given boot in Big Brother | publisher = BBC | author = | date = [[2006-07-14]] | accessdate=2007-04-06}}</ref> However, less than four weeks after her exit, she was voted back into the 'House Next Door' by 63% of the voting public, along with three other ex-housemates.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/B/bb7/news/newsstory.jsp?id=2801&articleMask=1&housemateId=20 | title= Back Four More | publisher = Channel 4 | author = | date = [[2006-08-16]] | accessdate=2007-04-05}}</ref> She was then chosen to return to the main house by the surviving contestants and despite the fact that she had already been evicted, she was reinstated as an eligible housemate and was once again given the opportunity to receive the £100,000 prize handed out to the winner;<ref>{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4786819.stm | title= Pete favourite to win Big Brother | publisher = BBC | author = | date = [[2006-08-12]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> a controversial move that prompted 2,700 viewers to complain to the premium rate phone watchdog, Icstis.<ref name=Watchdog>{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4782595.stm | title= Watchdog checks Big Brother vote | publisher = BBC | author = | date = [[2006-08-11]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref>
An Icstis regulator commented that the majority of complaining viewers believed that they were misled by the makers of ''Big Brother'', as they were under the impression that they had voted to evict the ex-housemate permanently.<ref name="Watchdog"/> In the wake of this, Icstis launched an inquiry which could have resulted in [[Channel 4]] refunding an estimated £3 million to people who took part with phone or text votes.<ref name="Watchdog"/> Despite Icstis ruling that ''Big Brother'' breached its guidelines and misled phone voters, Channel 4 was not made to refund viewers and was instead fined and forced to pay almost £50,000 in administrative costs.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5410052.stm | title= Big Brother 'misled' phone voters | publisher = BBC | author = | date = [[2006-10-05]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref>
In conjunction tabloid newspapers reported on an alleged betting scandal, after it was revealed that thousands of pounds were staked on Grahame to win even after she was initially evicted from the show. Several mystery big cash bets were reportedly placed on Grahame at 1,000-1 after her eviction, sparking fears that insiders knew she was going back into the house and decided to cash in.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/bigbrother.html?in_article_id=399914&in_page_id=1815 | title= Big Brother's betting fix | publisher = [[Daily Mail]] | author = | date = [[2006-08-11]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref>
Grahame subsequently finished in fifth place, with 6.5% of the final vote.<ref name="fifth" >{{cite web | url = http://bigbrother.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds10555.html | title= Nikki evicted, finishes fifth | publisher = [[Digital Spy]] | author = Welsh, James | date = [[2006-08-18]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> The crowd response was less positive than it had been at her prior eviction, where she seemingly left to unanimous chanting and cheers.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bigbrother.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds10089.html | title= Nikki's interview: "I'm so embarrassed" | publisher = [[Digital Spy]] | author = Saney, Daniel | date = [[2006-07-15]] | accessdate=2007-04-06}}</ref> Host, [[Davina McCall]], attempted to interview her but Grahame was reluctant to speak, claiming that she was scared and shocked by the "boos" from the crowd.<ref name="fifth"/> Grahame's live interview was subsequently cut short and she was eventually led off the stage.<ref name="dav" >{{cite web | url = http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/B/bb7/news/newsstory.jsp?id=3008&housemateId=16 | title= Nikki Meets Davina...again | publisher = Channel 4 | author = | date = [[2006-08-18]] | accessdate=2007-04-05}}</ref>
Since the series' final, the [[Channel 4]] chief, Kevin Lygo, has admitted that Big Brother executives feared Grahame would win — sparking further backlash from angry viewers. He added that the idea, which divided producers, was to spice up the “sometimes dull” final week.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,11049-2006390424,,00.html | title= C4 fears over Nikki Big Bro win | publisher = The Sun | author = | date = [[2006-08-25]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref>
===Media career===
In between her two stays in the ''Big Brother'' House Grahame presented the "Celebrity Spotting" section on one episode of ''[[The Friday Night Project]]'', which is normally presented by [[Debra Stephenson]]. Grahame has also co-presented alongside [[Iain Lee]] on several episodes of his show ''[[Celebrity Soup]]'', which airs on the satellite channel [[E! Entertainment Television]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0810515/ | title= "Celebrity Soup" | publisher = [[Internet Movie Database|IMDB]] | author = | date = | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref>
During the time after her first eviction a ''[[The Simple Life|Simple Life]]''-esque reality TV series was announced in which Grahame would star. The programme followed her attempts to hold down an everyday job and was apparently inspired by her disastrous turn as a [[Personal assistant|PA]] in a ''Big Brother'' task assigned to housemates.<ref name="e4"/> The show, ''[[Princess Nikki]]'', premiered on [[E4 (TV)|E4]] on [[6 September]] and ran for 6 weeks.
Grahame won a [[National Television Awards|National Television Award]] for Most Popular TV Contender on [[October 31]] [[2006]], beating former boyfriend [[Pete Bennett]], [[Chantelle Houghton]], [[Richard Fleeshman]] and [[Carol Thatcher]]. Grahame was the only nominee from this category who was not a reality television show winner. In addition, Grahame was voted the second ''Most Annoying Person Of 2006'' in a [[BBC Three]] televised poll<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nikkigrahame.info/sightingsappearances.htm | title= Nikki Grahame Sightings and Appearances | publisher = NikkiGrahame.info | author = | date = [[2006-12-28]] | accessdate=2007-04-05}}</ref> and was the 12th most 'written about' person of 2006 in the UK, along with Pete Bennett — according to Channel 4's ''2006 Fame Review''; a televised poll which equates fame to newspaper column inches.<ref>[[Channel 4]] (aired [[December 31]], [[2006]]). "2006 Fame Review" [http://zummer.blogspot.com/search/label/TV list].</ref>
In February 2007 Grahame began fronting a media campaign for the launch of [[Domino's Pizza|Domino's]] Meateor Pizza, which included television advertising and online promotion.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.brandrepublic.com/login/index.cfm?fuseaction=Login&resource=BR_News&articleType=news&article=632409 | title= Domino's backs Meateor debut | publisher = [http://www.brandrepublic.com/home/ Brand Republic] | author = | date = [[2007-02-14]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> The advert played heavily on Grahame's reputation for whinging, which is eventually curtailed by the delivery of the meteor pizza. It hurtles down from outer space and collides with Grahame, propelling her through the air and leaving her dumbstruck.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguide/columnists/story/0,,2045307,00.html | title= The hard sell | publisher = The Guardian | author = Donaghy, James| date = [[2007-03-31]]| accessdate=2007-04-19}}</ref>
Grahame makes personal appearances, which includes participation in various television shows such as ''[[Celebrity Scissorhands]]'' and ''[[8 out of 10 Cats]]'',<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/big_brother/Big+Brother+s+Nikki+Bawls+in+Salon-26228.html | title= Big Brother's Nikki Bawls in Salon | publisher = Female First | author = | date = [[2006-11-14]]| accessdate=2007-04-06}}</ref> and appearances at [[student]] nights and clubs.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bigbrother.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds10612.html | title= Nikki gets a saucy student lap dance | publisher = Digital Spy | author = | date = [[2006-10-21]]| accessdate=2007-04-06}}</ref> On [[March 24]] [[2007]], Grahame appeared on a special "Goodies and Baddies" edition of the game show ''[[Weakest Link|The Weakest Link]]''. During round three, she was the strongest link of the team (answered the most questions correctly and earned the most money), but was eliminated in round five after then becoming the weakest link of the team. Grahame took part in the Soccer Six charity tournament at [[Wrexham A.F.C.|Wrexham's]] [[Racecourse Ground]] in May 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/6684939.stm | title= Wrexham stages celeb Soccer Six | publisher = BBC News | author = | date = [[2007-05-29]]| accessdate=2007-06-05}}</ref>
In June 2007, Grahame returned to the ''Big Brother'' franchise but this time as a reporter for its spin-off show, ''[[Big Brother's Little Brother]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news_detail.html?sku=1779 | title= Bruv's crown jewels | publisher = The Daily Star | author = | date = [[2007-05-30]]| accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref> Known as "The B-Team", Grahame and several other former housemates were sent to various venues to interview people about their opinions on ''[[Big Brother 2007 (UK)|Big Brother 8]]''. Grahame also had a ''Big Brother'' column in the glossy magazine, ''[[OK!]]'', where she discussed her thoughts on the series.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ok.co.uk/current.html?cart=11822959076941655 | title= OK! | publisher = OK! | author = | date = [[2007-06-19]]| accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref> In September 2007 Grahame was given a regular column in ''[[OK!]]'s'' "Hot Stars" section, a free pull out magazine, where she writes her views on celebrities and recent events. <ref>Grahame, Nikki 15-21 September 2007, [[OK!]] Hot Stars magazine. [http://www.bluegroper.com/scans/nikki_hot_stars_15_21_september_2007.pdf scan]</ref>
In 2008, she appeared on a Battle of the Sexes edition of [[Trisha]] supporting the girls, along with [[Jeff Brazier]] for the boys.
She also featured in the "pre-show" for [[Big Brother 2008 (UK)|Big Brother 9]], ''Big Brother:The Auditions'', giving advice to auditionees standing in line.
==Personal life==
[[Image:Nikki Grahame Pete Bennett.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Grahame with her former boyfriend, Pete Bennett at the Red Bull Air Race in [[Longleat]] (September 2006).]]
At the age of 18 Grahame was given [[breast implants]] on the [[NHS]], because her years of [[anorexia]] had left her flat-chested.<ref name="Official story"/> In April 2007 Grahame revealed that she had undergone corrective plastic surgery on her breast implants in order to fix "ripples" left by the first operation.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bigbrother.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds12330.html | title= Nikki Grahame fixes dodgy boob job| publisher = Digital Spy | author = West, Dave | date = [[2007-04-24]] | accessdate=2007-05-07}}</ref>
Grahame's first serious relationship was with Chris Jacques, from [[Southgate, London|Southgate]], [[North London]], who she dated for 18 months, They still talk ,<ref name="jack"/> While she was in ''Big Brother'', Grahame reportedly confessed that she had once been involved with [[Jack Tweed]], the lover of the ''[[Big Brother (UK series 3)|Big Brother 3]]'' finalist and [[Celebrity Big Brother 2007]] contestant, [[Jade Goody]]. Their fling allegedly occurred before Goody and Tweed became a couple.<ref name="jack"/> She has also been romantically linked to the model [[Calum Best]] and, according to her former agent, Skye Butler, she slept with him on and off for six months, rather than once as she claims.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003230001-2006290324,,00.html | title= Bisexual Nik's pal pull bid | publisher = The Sun | author = Nathan, Sara | date = [[2006-06-26]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref>
Grahame famously dated the winner of ''[[Big Brother (UK series 7)|Big Brother 7]]'', [[Pete Bennett]]. The duo's romance began in the last week of ''Big Brother'', following Grahame's return to the show.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5265412.stm | title= Profile: Big Brother winner Pete Bennett | publisher = BBC | author = | date = [[2006-08-18]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> However in September 2006 she went public with the news that Bennett had made the decision to end their relationship, just over a month after it began.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20060917/ai_n16737047 | title= Nikki & Pete..It's All Gurn Wrong | publisher = Sunday Mirror | author = Ford, Louise | date = [[2006-09-17]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> Bennett told her that he found it tough having a relationship in the spotlight and just wanted to be friends. Grahame commented "I still want to be with him. Sadly he doesn't want to be with me. I will just have to accept that. I have to let go."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.aisleyneghettoprincess.com/otherhousematesnews.htm | title= Pete's Given Me The Boot | publisher = [[News of the World]] | author = | date = [[2006-09-17]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref>
Grahame has been romantically linked to the singer, [[Duncan James]] but, according to [[The People]] newspaper, she was dumped in December 2006 because of her infamous "strops" and because she "was way too emotionally unbalanced for him."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bigbrother.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds10630.html | title= Duncan James dumps Nikki | publisher = Digital Spy | author = West, Dave | date = [[2006-12-07]] | accessdate=2007-02-24}}</ref> However in the [[January 23]] [[2007]] issue of [[heat (magazine)|heat]] magazine, James stated that no such relationship had occurred.<ref>Cave, Lucie ([[January 23]], [[2007]]). "heat interview Duncan James". [[heat (magazine)|heat]] magazine, issue 408 p.82 [http://forums.duncan-james.net/viewtopic.php?t=30765&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 scan]</ref>
Grahame began dating Guy Mesigan, a part-time model and [[carpenter]], at the end of 2006.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.anorak.co.uk/reality-tv/big-brother/171567.html | title= Nikki Grahame’s Guy | publisher = Anorak | author = | date = [[2007-03-01]]| accessdate=2007-05-07}}</ref> While the couple were holidaying in the [[Canary Islands]] in February 2007, Grahame suffered two broken bones due to a {{convert|42|in|mm|sing=on}} plasma television falling on her foot while she was out clubbing.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nwdaily.co.uk/CelebrityGossipView.aspx?id=1654 | title= PRINCESS NIKKI FLOORED! | publisher = New Woman | author = West, Dave | date = | accessdate=2007-04-11}}</ref> She sought medical attention and ended up on [[crutch]]es.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2001320029-2007080634,00.html | title= That's for taking the piz, Nik | publisher = The Sun | date = [[2007-02-22]] | accessdate=2007-04-06}}</ref> Grahame and Mesigan split in May 2007, and she has since branded him a "fucking bastard” and a "total limelight chaser."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.anorak.co.uk/celebrity/the-glossies/173384.html| title= The OK! Party | publisher = anorak.co.uk | date = [[2007-05-16]] | accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref> Several weeks after their split, Grahame was romantically linked to Will Colin, a contestant from Channel 4 reality show ''[[Shipwrecked (TV series)|Shipwrecked]]'', with reports suggesting that "they were stuck to each other all night" at a London club.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.people.co.uk/showbiz/showbiz/tm_method=full%26objectid=19205276%26siteid=93463-name_page.html| title= WILL IT LAST, NIKKI? | publisher = The People | date = [[2007-05-27]] | accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref>
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==See also==
*[[List of Big Brother housemates (UK series 7)#Nikki Grahame|List of Big Brother 7 housemates (UK series)]]
==External links==
*[http://www.specialnikkigrahame.com/ Official Site]
*{{imdb name|id=2279627|name=Nikki Grahame}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Grahame, Nikki}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Watford]]
[[Category:Participants in British reality television series]]
[[Category:Big Brother UK contestants]]
[[sv:Nikki Grahame]]