Pete Bennett breaks down in tribute to Nikki Grahame

Nikki, from Northwood in London, had been receiving treatment for an eating disorder at a specialist clinic.

Pete, from Brighton, battled through his tears to say “I thought we could save her”, a reference to a crowd-funder to help Nikki’s treatment for anorexia started before her death.

Reality TV star Nikki Grahame, who rose to fame as a contestant on Big Brother, died at the age of 38 on Friday

Big Brother winner Pete met Nikki when they starred in series seven of the show, which aired in 2006.

The pair briefly dated before splitting up after the show. However, they remained good friends and last saw each other last month.

In an emotional video tribute, posted late last night, he said: “I thought to myself ‘yeah we could save her’, but we couldn’t.

'Thank you for the memories my friend'

“But it’s OK she’s in a good place and she’s not suffering any more.”

Distraught Pete can be seen fighting back the tears during the emotional tribute.

“So I’d just like to raise a f*****g glass, or bottle of wine more like, for Nikki Grahame,” he added.

“All the love from us at Big Brother Seven, we really love you Nikki and you were a true winner man, you were really great, you f*****g rocked it babes.

“Just want to say we’ll miss you babe. See you later Nikki.”

The pair met in the 2006 series of Big Brother

Nikki Grahame died on Friday aged 38.

Pete’s heartbreaking video was captioned: “I'm 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.

"Thank you for the memories my friend , you will sorely be missed, I hope you’re not hurting any more and finally at peace. I’ll see you in heaven Nikki. Lots of love Pete Xxx.”

A statement from Nikki’s representative confirmed “with immeasurable sadness" that she died on Friday morning.

"Please respect the privacy of Nikki's friends and family at this tragic and difficult time," he added.

Former Big Brother host Davina McCall tweeted she was “so desperately sad to hear” the news.

She added: “My thoughts are with her friends and family xx she really was the funniest , most bubbly sweetest girl x.”.