Mar 22, 2009, 10:45 GMT
Jade Goody has died.
Speaking outside Jade's home wearing pyjamas and a coat, the star's mother Jackiey Budden said: "I've lost my beautiful girl. Jade died this morning. Family and friends would like some privacy - at last." EPA/STR
The 27-year-old reality TV star lost her battle against cervical cancer at 3.55am today (22.03.09), Mother's Day, at her home in Upshire, Essex.
Speaking outside Jade's home wearing pyjamas and a coat, the star's mother Jackiey Budden said: "I've lost my beautiful girl. Jade died this morning. Family and friends would like some privacy - at last."
Jackiey, Jade's husband Jack Tweed - who she married exactly one month ago - and her friend Kevin Adams were with her when she died.
Within minutes of the news of her death breaking fans of Jade began gathering at her home to pay their respects.
Jade's spokesman Max Clifford said: "She's been so brave. She died as she lived in the public eye. It was her way of handling it. She's touched the public's hearts."
A spokesman for Jade's ex-boyfriend Jeff Brazier - who she has sons Bobby, five, and Freddy, four - said: "He is extremely sad to hear of Jade's passing and obviously his priority now is going to be with his boys."
Jade was diagnosed with cancer while appearing on 'Bigg Boss', the Indian version of 'Big Brother' last August.
She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy but was told in February the cancer had spread.
Jade decided to take part in a series of interviews in order to secure as much money as possible for her children's futures, and is believed to have made around £1 million by selling the rights to her wedding and recent christening.
In 2002 Jade - then a 20-year old dental nurse from Bermondsey, South London- was propelled into the public eye when she appeared on Channel 4 TV show 'Big Brother' series 3.
Initally criticised for her lack of general knowledge - she thought Rio De Janeiro was a person and that Sherlock Holmes invented the toilet - Jade eventually won her a legion of fans.
She came third in the series and her profile soon eclipsed all other ex-housemates.
Jade became a millionaire thanks to her own television shows, perfume, workout videos and beauty salon.
However, in 2007 Jade's decision to re-enter the 'Big Brother' house put her career in jeopardy.
She was accused of racially bullying Indian actress Shilpa Shetty during the fifth series of 'Celebrity Big Brother', after she branded the actress "Shilpa Poppadoum" and "Shilpa F***kawallah".
Her actions prompted a record number of complaints - over 50,000 - to UK broadcast regulator Ofcom.
Upon being evicted from 'Celebrity Big Brother' Jade denied she was racist and made many public apologies to Shilpa, with the couple later becoming friends.
It was this incident which prompted Jade to appear on 'Big Boss', in a bid to further her own understanding and clear her name.
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