JADE Goody has left a massive legacy since her untimely death from cervical cancer at the age of 27 – and now the reality star is being remembered in a special series commissioned by Channel 4.
Jade: The Reality Star Who Changed Britain explores how the mum-of-two was in many ways a figurehead for themes of class and political and cultural changes in the UK as well as looking at her life itself. Find out more below…
When is Jade: The Reality Star Who Changed Britain on Channel 4?
Jade: The Reality Star Who Changed Britain starts on Wednesday at 9pm on Channel 4.
The first of the three-part series will last an hour and 5 minutes and will look at Jade's life since she landed in fourth place on Big Brother 3 in 2002.
And the rest of the series will explore her rollercoaster of a life – going from the nation's sweetheart to villain and back to being adored and revered during her very public battle with cancer.
As well as looking at the wider picture of where she fit into changing class and culture politics in Britain at the time of her ascent to fame.
The series will feature exclusive interviews as well as never-before-seen clips of the star while exploring how Jade's life in many ways reflected a time of notable socio-political change in the UK.
Who was Jade Goody?
Jade Goody was born in Bermondsey, South London, in June 1981, to mum Jackiey Budden and drug addict dad Andrew Goody.
Jade's parents separated when she was just two and her dad later died of a drugs overdose in 2006.
After leaving school she started work as a dental nurse in Essex before being selected to be a contestant on the third series of Big Brother in 2002.
This led to the launch of Jade's own reality TV series and perfume line before she returned to Big Brother as a housemate on the celebrity edition of the programme.
Away from the cameras, Jade started a relationship with fellow reality TV star Jeff Brazier and the couple had two sons – Bobby Jack and Freddie.
After they split she started a stormy relationship with Jack Tweed but the pair eventually tied the knot in February 2009.
Jade died just a month later at the age of just 27 and she was laid to rest near her home in Epping Forest.
How did Jade Goody become famous?
Jade was first catapulted into the spotlight after appearing on the third series of Big Brother in 2002, which was then on Channel 4.
She endeared herself to the viewers with her lack of general knowledge, stripping naked and drunken antics.
After coming out of the house, she appeared in her own reality TV show and created her own perfume called Shh.
Five years later she went back into the Big Brother house for Celebrity Big Brother and took her mum and then-boyfriend Jack with her.
But she became embroiled in a racism scandal over her treatment of fellow housemate, the Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty.
After being evicted from the house, she later visited India where she apologised for her behaviour.
Jade also starred in pantomimes and in 2008 appeared on Bigg Boss, the Indian version of Big Brother.
How did Jade die?
Jade had a number of health scares after leaving Big Brother but it was when she entered Bigg Boss that she was given a diagnosis of cervical cancer in August 2008.
It was reportedly at an advanced stage and she had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy treatment.
But by February 2009, it had spread to her liver, bowel and groin and she was told by doctors at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London that her condition was terminal.
While in hospital she was baptised alongside her sons and she also married Jack.
On March 22, 2009, Jade died surrounded by her mum Jackiey, Jack and her friend Kevin Adams.
Her funeral took place in Buckhurst Hill in Essex in April 2009 and she was buried near her home in Epping Forest.
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