Nikki Grahame was in talks to join 'Big Brother' as a researcher before her death.
Nikki Grahame
The late star - who died last week aged 38 after a long battle with anorexia - rose to fame on the reality show in 2006 and made a number of appearances over the years, including on spin-off show 'Big Brother's Bit On The Side', and she was talking to the programme's bosses about working behind the scenes.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "She was really loved on set by all production and crew. She walked around freely and was a friend to everyone.
"She'd been on the show a lot, and guest appearances on shows all over the world - but that was coming to an end.
"For this reason she needed to think about a new strategy professionally and started talking to 'BB' about working behind the scenes as a researcher. She knew the brand inside out, was actually bright, creative and full of some kooky ideas."
It's said both producers and then-host Rylan Clark-Neal were "all for it", but Channel 5 axed the show three years ago.
The insider added: "C5 pulled the plug on the show and it was over soon after that so she never got the chance to work behind the scenes."
Nikki appeared in 'Ultimate Big Brother' in 2010, and starred as a 'time warp' housemate five years later, before a stint on the Canadian version in 2017.
And after Channel 5 announced the final season in 2018, she returned to the UK version, and always held the show close to her heart.
She previously said: "There is something about this house where nothing else matters. 'Big Brother' has played such a huge part of my life, it changed my life for the better.
"I don't have one regret, not one. It will always have a place in my heart. Thank you 'Big Brother' for everything. Literally, everything."
News of Nikki's passing was announced by the GoFundMe page that was set up to help raise money for her care.
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.
"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."
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