Charity Beat has issued a warning ahead of the documentary airing tonight on Channel 4, advising that anyone who is ‘currently unwell with an eating disorder’ should avoid watching the programme.
In April last year, Nikki – who first found fame in 2006 when she took part in the seventh series of – after suffering from anorexia for the majority of her life.
A couple of days before the one-year anniversary of her death, a film called is being shown on TV, with the title taking its name from one of the late reality star’s .
Ahead of the documentary’s transmission, has said in a statement that while the programme addresses eating disorders ‘in a respectful and non-glamourising way’, it could be ‘distressing’ for some individuals to watch.
Tom Quinn, director of external affairs, said in a statement sent to Metro.co.uk: ‘A documentary about Nikki Grahame is airing this evening on Channel 4. We know that Nikki was a beloved member of the community, however we would advise that anybody currently unwell with an eating disorder does not watch the documentary.’
He continued: ‘Whilst the piece talks about eating disorders in a respectful and non-glamourising way, there are some details that would be distressing for those affected by eating disorders, such as specific BMIs and low weight photos.’
Tom added that will be open until midnight tonight, saying that the charity’s team ‘are available to offer support to anyone affected by Nikki’s story’.
Ahead of Nikki’s death, her friends set up a online to try and raise money to help her receive specialist help, with the total reaching over £65,000.
Following the news that she had died, the after fans asked if they could still donate.
‘An amount will be used for the funeral costs and the remaining funds will be used to go towards an organisation that helps those suffering with eating disorders, the crucial funding that has been lacking to help people in these awful situations has not been addressed, we will use this money to the best of our ability to try and and stem this horrific, debilitating illness,’ an update read at the time.
The fundraiser has since amassed more than £70K, with an update published by Nikki’s friend Carly Cunningham reading in June 2021: ‘We are in the process of setting up the Nikki Grahame Charitable Trust where we will provide information and assist those affected by eating disorders.’
One of the people who features prominently in the documentary is Nikki’s mum, Sue Grahame, who shared on the programme that she .
‘When I’d seen Nikki so sick and close to death on many occasions, it’s like her whole fortunes turned around. From now on, she was going to be alright, you know? She suddenly came alive, I mean it introduced her to a totally different world out there. She was so busy,’ she said.
Sue also looked back on Nikki’s , when she picked up the accolade for most popular TV contender.
‘It was the happiest day of her life. I have never seen her more proud and happy as I did that night,’ she recalled.
Nikki Grahame: Who Is She? airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.
BEAT
If you suspect you, a family member or friend has an eating disorder, contact Beat on 0808 801 0677 or at [email protected], for information and advice on the best way to get appropriate treatment
