Kavana feels ‘guilty’ for relapsing after 100 days sober as he talks about Nikki Grahame’s death

Singer Kavana revealed he felt ‘guilty and sick’ after his alcohol relapse on Saturday following 100 days of sobriety, while pleading with the government to increase mental health funding following Nikki Grahame’s death. 

The 90s pop sensation, 43, declared, ‘I hate myself’ on Twitter as he candidly discussed his addiction battle. 

And while detailing his own mental health struggles, he also spoke of his sadness after discovering that Big Brother star Nikki passed away at the age of 38 on Friday, after her battle with anorexia.

Addiction: Singer Kavana revealed he felt ‘guilty and sick’ after his alcohol relapse on Saturday following 100 days of sobriety, while pleading with the government to increase mental health funding following Nikki Grahame’s death

Sharing a sombre selfie to his 32k Twitter followers, Kavana, real name Anthony Kavanagh, said: ‘Ok. I think it’s important for me to be transparent about my recovery. 

‘I relapsed after 100 days of sobriety. I feel guilty and sick and I hate myself after letting the people I love down. I thought I knew better. I have to start again [praying hand emoji].’ (sic)

Later on, he shared another Twitter update and penned: ‘Omg Nikki ? This is heartbreaking [praying hand emoji].’ (sic) 

Fans flooded social media to share their messages of support for Kavana.

Feeling low: The 90s pop sensation, 43, declared, ‘I hate myself’ on Twitter as he candidly discussed his addiction battle

One Twitter user responded: ‘It’s not easy, don’t be hard on yourself. But the fact you’re feeling these things mean you want and care about sobriety which is the best positive. You can get it back. 

‘Be as compassionate with yourself as you would to anyone else in the same situation. You’re trying!’ 

A second wrote: ‘Ok, so you have to start again. This time you start knowing you can get to 100days. 

‘I’m not suggesting it’s going to be easy, but know this, there are so many people behind you & sending you strength, you’ve got this. I’m just a nobody, but I’m here if you need me.’

Tragedy: That same day, he shared another Twitter update and penned: ‘Omg Nikki ? This is heartbreaking [praying hand emoji]’ (sic)

A third fan sent words of encouragement: ‘Recognise it, learn from it and start again.’

The following day, Kavana shared a positive update on his sobriety journey as he said: ‘Thankyou so much for all the messages of support today is a new day ! [sunglasses face emoji, praying hand emoji].’ (sic) 

He also made sure to take another moment to acknowledge Nikki’s passing. Sharing an article from Grazia relating to the star, he said: ‘Mental health is not to be laughed at.I just dragged myself out of a relapse with booze. 

‘Nikkies passing is yet another sign the government must put out more funds into mental health. It’s no joke.’ (sic)

Encouragement: Fans flooded social media to share their messages of support for Kavana

Big Brother’s Nikki died at the age 38 – just one month after her friends started a GoFundMe page for anorexia treatment.

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It is believed that the star, who rose to fame after appearing on the 2006 series of the hit reality show, was released from hospital in Devon a day before her death.

Nikki, from Northwood in London, had struggled with anorexia since she was a child and had recently checked into a private clinic to treat her eating disorder.

Friends managed to raise more than £69,000 since the GoFundMe page’s launch on March 10, with organisers saying they had ‘exhausted every avenue possible’.

‘Thank you so much for all the messages’: The following day, the singer shared a positive update on his sobriety journey

Reflective: He also made sure to take another moment to acknowledge Nikki Grahame’s passing, sharing an article from Grazia relating to the star, he highlighted the importance of mental health 

Nikki’s death was confirmed online by her friend Leon Dee on Saturday.

A statement on the GoFundMe page read: ‘It is with great sadness, we have to let you know that our dear friend Nikki passed away in the early hours of Friday 9th April.

‘It breaks our hearts to know that someone who is so precious was taken from us at such a young age. 

‘Nikki not only touched the lives of millions of people, but also her friends and family who will miss her immensely.

‘We would like to request privacy at this difficult time, while Nikki’s friends and family process the sad news. Full details will be released as and when we know them.

‘All donations have been greatly appreciated and it was heartwarming for everyone including Nikki to see how much she was loved.’

Leon added that all the funds raised in the GoFundMe will be given to a charity as a donation in Nikki’s memory.

He penned: ‘Funds will be held safely in this GoFundMe until we have established an organisation supporting those suffering from anorexia to which we will make a donation in Nikki’s memory. 

Passing: Big Brother’s Nikki died at the age 38 on Friday – just one month after her friends started a GoFundMe page for anorexia treatment

‘We will post updates for you with more details as soon as we have them. We are working with GoFundMe at this time. If you want to request a refund, you can write into GoFundMe’s team here. 

‘Rest In Peace, Nikki. We love you & not a day will go by without missing your smile.’

While a statement from her representative said: ‘It is with immeasurable sadness that Nikki Grahame passed away in the early hours of Friday 9th April 2021. Please respect the privacy of Nikki’s friends and family at this tragic and difficult time.’

For help and support with eating disorders contact SEED on (01482) 718130 or visit www.seedeatingdisorders.org.uk  

For help and support with addiction contact Recovery 0203 553 0324 or visit https://www.recovery.org.uk/   

Statement: Nikki’s friend Leon Dee announced the sad news of her death on GoFundMe

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