Pete Bennett rushed to Nikki Grahame's side before her death.
Pete Bennett
The 39-year-old TV star has revealed he jumped straight in a taxi and rushed to see Nikki before she passed away on Friday (09.04.21) after a long battle with anorexia.
A visibly emotional Pete told Sky News: "I just got in the cab and went over there with my girlfriend, who is a mental health nurse. We just tried to give her love and support.
"Me and Nikki had a great connection. I thought the love I had for her would boost her up and get her out of the darkness."
Pete also praised Nikki's friends and family for trying to help her.
He said: "My heart goes out to everyone who was trying to help her. Carly, her best friend, I know is really struggling, my heart goes out to her. I know what it’s like to lose a best friend, especially when you’re trying to save them.
"I knew she was ill in the last lockdown – she told me not to say. She rang me up and said, 'Pete I’m ill, come and get me' - I was busy at the time."
Pete - who won 'Big Brother' in 2006 - previously paid a glowing tribute to Nikki on Instagram.
The TV star - who is seen drinking from a bottle of wine in Nikki's honour - said: "For Nikki Grahame, all the love from us at 'Big Brother 7'.
"We loved you, Nik. You were a true winner. You were great, you were beautiful, you rocked it, mate. Just wanna say, we’ll miss you, babe. Safe, man. See you later, Nikki. (sic)"
Pete and Nikki - who passed away at the age of 38 - had an on/off relationship during their time together in the 'Big Brother' house.
He wrote: "Im gutted, we have lost a true character, my bb7 posse feel like we’ve lost a family member, our series just wouldn’t of been the same without her! Even through our ups and downs we have still remained close through the years, and it was so nice to visit again recently with my girlfriend ,sing Kate bush songs and have fun like the good old days! I’m just sad that it was the last song we ever sang (sic)"
Tagged in Nikki Grahame Pete Bennett