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Ulrika Jonnson has paid a touching tribute to her Ultimate Big Brother co-star Nikki Grahame following her tragic death at the age of 38.
The 53 year old has reflected on her time living with Nikki as they filmed an All Stars version of the hit Channel 4 show in a statement released exclusively to OK! online.
Both Nikki and Ulrika, who won the celebrity spin-off of the show in 2009, were invited back by show bosses as two of the 14 best stars in the show's history, with Nikki finishing as runner-up behind Brian Dowling.
Nikki's devastating death was confirmed at the weekend and followed a battle with anorexia which lasted over three decades.
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Ulrika has now spoken about the friendship she formed with the larger than life character as they lived alongside each other in the Borehamwood mansion.
She told us: "I spent three whole weeks with Nikki Grahame when I was in the Big Brother House for the second time in 2010.
"This girl was dramatic, energetic, charismatic. But she was also vulnerable and sometimes seemed very fragile.
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"But what shone from her more than anything was her raw honesty — about herself and about life.
"And when I had a moment of upset in the house, Nikki took time to sit down with me and talk to me — opening herself up as quickly and as easy as you might a paperback — pouring out words and experiences she'd had to endure.
"Not an ounce of self-pity or attention-seeking. Just wanting to share in order to help.
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"That was Nikki Grahame. I shall miss her beautiful face," she emotionally concluded.
The Only Way Is Essex star Bobby Norris has also spoken to OK! online to pay tribute to his fellow reality star.
He said: "I'm so devastated to hear the news of Nikki. I hoped and prayed for a better outcome than what's happened.
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"Whenever me and Nik were together, we had the BEST time. We were always laughing and joking and cracking each other up.
"That will always be my memory of Nik. Just fun times, and laughter. It's just so sad."
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