Nikki Grahame’s anorexia battle worsened in Covid lockdowns, says Big Brother star’s mother

Nikki Grahame’s mother has claimed her daughter’s 30-year battle with anorexia nervosa worsened because of the coronavirus pandemic.

During an interview on Tuesday’s This Morning, Susan Grahame, 66, revealed the Big Brother icon, 38, struggled with the isolation periods and gym closures brought by the nationwide lockdowns, admitting: ‘COVID-19 really put the cap on it.’ 

The reality star is vowing to ‘beat’ her health condition as she’s currently undergoing specialist treatment at a private facility after her friends raised £65,539 online to fund the care she requires. 

On how her daughter took a turn for the worse amid the global crisis, Susan told hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby: ‘I think last year really put the cap on it with Covid. 

‘It sounds crazy but even stuff like gyms closing, which is quite important to Nikki as she needs to know she can exercise. 

‘The isolation, she couldn’t see anyone. I offered to stay with her but she said ”I need to stay in my own home”. It’s been really hard for her, really hard.

‘She had terminal loneliness… she was cut off, spending too much time on her own, and nothing to think about other than food.’

Nikki’s parent went on to detail the former model’s difficult childhood as she explained: ‘We had a lot of stuff going on, my dad got very sick, she was worried for me. 

‘My marriage broke up, my husband at the time had a lot of trouble at work, it wasn’t a happy place. 

‘One thing sticks in my mind, we went to a restaurant for Mother’s Day lunch, and Nikki she stood beside me. She didn’t want to sit let alone eat, then of course she started to lose weight, that’s the one time that sticks in my mind.’

Susan also insisted the Northwood native was getting back on track before the pandemic, sharing: ‘It all came to a grinding halt.  

‘With Nikki, she would get through the year knowing she had friends abroad and would visit them, and she spent a lot of time last year cancelling all her holidays.’ 

The media personality’s friends, Carly Cunningham and Leon Dee, exceeded their £50,000 goal on their GoFundMe page earlier this month, which was set up to cover the costs of her therapy. 

Admitting she was initially apprehensive about the fundraiser, Susan said: ‘It was run by me a day or two before by Nikki’s friends. I was apprehensive. 

‘First of all we were desperate, we haven’t had much help with the NHS, we had one place, she had been failed there five or six times. 

‘I was worried that appeal, Nikki would come in for attack, with saying she was attention seeking, people could be nasty and she doesn’t need that.

‘I spoke to her and she said, ”please stress how overwhelmed I am by people’s kindness, tell everyone I’m going to try my level best to beat this, I’m going to get my life back”.

‘It’s so frightening for an anorexic because if they start to eat normally, it’s gonna go out of their control. She felt it was the one thing that she could keep control over with everything going around her. 

‘When she started to get sick, she would be like, ”don’t be upset, look how well I’m doing”. It was like she was trying to divert the attention.

‘[When she was in hospital] I cuddled her. I said, ”come on Nikki, I promise you there is a life out there.”’  

The author rose to fame on seventh series of Big Brother UK in 2006, in which she finished in fifth place.

Confessing she was terrified of her child’s appearance, Sue said: ‘Not because I didn’t think she’d eat, but because she’s a bit unusual, in the nicest way possible. 

‘I didn’t know what the public would make of her. But on the other hand I was delighted for her because I thought you deserved this break.’

The guest concluded her discussion by offering advice to fellow parents whose children may be going through the same issue.

Susan added: ‘I think poor Nikki, she suffered so bad because back in the day, we’re going back 31 years. At that time, people found it hard to believe that an 8 year old could be a victim of this, we did not have that kind of treatment, we did struggle. 

‘The help is a bit more out there than it once was. I would say that if you do see the signs, if they become withdrawn, start to wear baggy clothes, if they start to lose weight… Nikki was ditching her lunch everyday I had no idea… 

‘Try to get help as soon as possible. I know that as soon as the time is right, Nikki will thank everybody herself.’

On her treatment, a source close to Nikki told MailOnline: ‘Nikki would like to thank each and every single person for their kind and generous donations. 

‘She has seen the wonderful messages and wishes pouring in both personally and through her GoFundMe Page and has nothing but gratitude.

‘On hitting the GoFundMe target last weekend, those close to her started the long, and at times difficult, though always productive process of finding Nikki the best possible facility and care she requires.’ 

‘Due to the incredible donations received we’re pleased to report that a private facility which is able to admit her has been found and her road to recovery will begin from Monday. 

‘Though we know, since many people have been instrumental in enabling her access to the facility and help, they want to know details of this, in the interest of Nikki’s safety and privacy, for the time being, particulars of this recovery will be kept private. 

‘When the time is right, Nikki herself will be able to share the finer details of the process, her progress and where the incredible donations are going.’

Last Friday, Rylan Clark-Neal appealed to his followers to help her after her battle with anorexia left her in a very ‘bad way’.  

The TV presenter, 32, called attention to the GoFundMe page and said on Twitter: ‘This is v hard to read but sharing with permission. If some of the family could help in any way I know it would be greatly appreciated. Sending love x.’ (sic)

The original GoFundMe post read: ‘We have set up this page for our very close and dear friend Nikki. As some of you may know, Nikki is battling Anorexia. 

‘She has been battling for most of her life and as you can see, Nikki is now in a very bad way so we need to do something quickly.

‘Over the past years Nikki’s family and friends have tried so desperately to get Nikki all the help possible through the NHS.

‘Unfortunately the treatments have failed and we have exhausted every avenue possible, and now Nik is unfortunately in a very bad way, this is now our last hope.

‘This is why we feel that getting her treatment in a specialist clinic is the only option left for her.’

They continued: ‘We are praying this gives her the chance of kicking this illness to the curb once and for all.

‘At the moment, Nikki constantly feels weak and is struggling on a day to day basis. She feels trapped and really wants to get better but feels like it’s impossible. 

‘It’s heart-breaking and we desperately just want a healthy and well Nikki back with us. She has no energy and is taking each day as it comes.

‘Mental health, as so many of you know, is debilitating in many ways. We want to help save our friend from letting this Illness beat her. If you are able to donate anything then we would be extremely grateful.’ 

The GoFundMe page went on to explain why they decided to upload a harrowing picture of Nikki, revealing her current condition and figure. 

They added: ‘Nikki has given permission for the creation of this page and is supporting it in the hope it enables her to access the special care and treatment she desperately needs. 

‘We know the photos may be distressing but we felt it was important to show the severity of where Nikki is currently at. 

‘The basic treatment Nikki has been receiving from the NHS is simply just not working for her so her only option now is to seek expensive intensive treatment at The Priory or a similar alternative facility alongside meticulous private therapy. 

‘The above treatment and facility costs £25,000 per month and we believe this is her only option to provide the care and life saving treatment she needs.’ (sic) 

The TV star began suffering from anorexia aged eight, and has never had a period or produced eggs which would allow her to conceive due to her condition.

After first being admitted to an eating disorder unit at the age of eight, she was force-fed through a tube, and has caused long-term damage to her oesophagus from years of purging.

For help and support with eating disorders contact SEED on (01482) 718130 or visit www.seedeatingdisorders.org.uk