Nikki Grahame’s Big Brother castmates Imogen Thomas and Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace pay tribute to star on her birthday

NIKKI Grahame's Big Brother castmates Imogen Thomas and Aisleyne Horgan- Wallace have paid tribute to her on what would have been her 39th birthday.

Big Brother star Nikki sadly passed away earlier this month aged 38 following a 30 year battle with anorexia.

Sharing a series of pictures of them enjoying good times together, heartbroken Imogen wrote: “Happy birthday my angel. 

“I hope you're having a ball sipping espresso martinis singing and dancing to eastside 💃 I feel blessed to have had you as a friend and I will cherish our memories. 

“Thank you 🙏 May your spirit shine forever. Miss you and love u always Nik.”

Aisleyne shared a picture of the late star and wrote: "Happy birthday baby girl, too precious and delicate for this cold harsh world, so much vibrance & kindness in one.

"I know your in a better place still having fun... death is only painful for those of us left, as we miss you and wish you was still here with us.

"I believe you, and all lost loved ones are in a better place, a kinder more peaceful place... until we meet again, I will miss you.... dearly. I love you darling. ❤"

Glynn Wise, who came second in 2006, tweeted: "Happy Birthday Nikki! You would have been 39 today! Hope you are happy!

"I laugh at this picture when we went to the photo booth at the Cinema - you told me not to be childish when I wanted our photo done by Van Gough! The giggles! Xx I’m listening to Kate Bush for you right now!"

Imogen has been very vocal in protecting her friend’s memory following her death.

Last week the mum-of-two became embroiled in a row with Nikki’s ex Pete Bennett after he shared the last text before she died. 

Imogen accused Pete of "cruelly betraying" the memory of their fellow Big Brother star after he shared her final text message.

The message, shared with Heat magazine, read: "Hey Petie, all good my end. Starting a clinic on Monday, which is all good."

But Imogen slammed Pete on Instagram, saying she "couldn't stand to read another sold story by Pete Bennett".

Sharing a screenshot of the story, she wrote: "I can't keep quiet any longer. I can't stand to read another sold story by Pete Bennett.

"You Pete have no shame with your endless stories about Nikki. You saw her once within a year, took a haunting photo of her, put it up on Instagram against everyone's wishes claiming you helped her.

"You were not there for her. Now this is not about you - this is about Nikki.

"How dare you! Please allow her family and close friends grieve [sic.] and just stop cashing in at every opportunity.

"Selling last texts is the ultimate betrayal. I'm disgusted and feel for her family. Enough."

Pete hit back at the accusations - saying he "didn't sell anything" and the text was part of his tribute.

Nikki - who starred on Big Brother in 2006 with Imogen and Pete - was released from hospital 12 hours before her death, according to a report.

She spent three weeks in Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, before leaving on April 9.

She had been scheduled to start “more relaxed” private treatment.

A friend of Nikki's believes the star would have been alive today if she had received the right treatment over the last six months.

revealed that she was discharged from hospital twice while severely unwell, on one occasion weighing just three and a half stone.

Nikki had been open about her battle with the eating ­disorder. She had fought the illness since she was a child.

Nikki was first admitted to a psychiatric hospital at 12 following a suicide bid.