Former Swanley student and Big Brother winner Pete Bennett has paid tribute to ex-partner and close friend Nikki Grahame.

It was confirmed the television personality, who also starred on the show, had died last week aged 38 following a battle with an eating disorder.

Pete and Nikki first met on the seventh series of the reality TV hit in 2006, both aged 24, and became romantically involved before splitting and remaining close friends.

In an emotional post on social media, the 39-year-old paid tribute to his co-star.

Pete said he was "gutted", saying the world had "lost a true character".

He added: "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 anymore and finally at peace. I'll see you in heaven Nikki. Lots of love, Pete Xxx."

Nikki had recently received treatment for an eating disorder at a specialist clinic following a fundraising campaign organised by friends and fans.

It has raised nearly £70,000 to date and Pete had thanked those that had contributed to the fund which will now be set aside for funeral costs and a charity to help people with eating disorders.

Pete, who has Tourettes syndrome and now lives in Brighton, was educated at Hextable school and the specialist co-academy Parkwood Hall in Beechenlea Lane, Swanley.

He was thrust into the media spotlight after finding fame as the winner of Big Brother 7, and scooped £100,000 for his 93 days in the house.

Co-star Nikki was also fondly remembered for her time on the show including her explosive diary room outbursts.

She went on to secure her own show, Princess Nikki, won a National Television Award and published two books, the autobiographies Dying To Be Thin and Fragile.

Davina McCall, who lives in Kent and presented the reality show between 2000 and 2010, also paid a heartbreaking tribute to the star.

She posted: "I am so desperately sad to hear about Nikki Graham x my thoughts are with her friends and family xx she really was the funniest, most bubbly sweetest girl x"

A statement from Nikki Grahame's representative said: “It is with immeasurable sadness that Nikki Grahame passed away in the early hours of Friday, April 9.

“Please respect the privacy of Nikki’s friends and family at this tragic and difficult time.”

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