Rebekah Shelton appearing on 'The Jeremy Kyle Show'
ITV
Opening up about the “damaging” experience on Wednesday’s (7 March) celebrity edition of ‘The Jeremy Kyle Show’, Rebekah admitted she was so overwhelmed to wake up to a sea of tribute messages she was even left questioning whether she had died herself.
She explained: “I woke up to many messages on my phone of people saying I was an angel saying ‘rest in peace’ because now your problems have finished and things like that.
“And for a second I thought ‘am I dead?’. It’s funny now but it’s not good emotionally, it’s very damaging.”
Rebekah went on to claim the tweet announcing her death was posted as a cruel move by her lover’s wife, suggesting: “His wife knows everything, that’s the problem - she’s the stalker; the one who posted the tweet.”
She also denied the suggestion she’d posted the tweet herself for attention or publicity, insisting: “You know who [said that]? A couple of losers. You know where they are now? I don’t know either.”
Brazil-born Rebekah took part in ‘Big Brother’ in 2009, under her former name, Rodrigo Lopes. She was best remembered by reality TV fans for her unabashed love of the Queen, and brief romance with fellow housemate Charlie Drummond.
Three years after leaving the house, Rebekah came out as transgender, and has since made guest spots on spin-off show ‘Big Brother’s Bit On The Side’, as well as an appearance on ‘Judge Rinder’ which aired last year. She also briefly starred in an episode of ‘Hollyoaks’.
‘The Jeremy Kyle Show’ airs every weekday morning at 9.25am on ITV.
'Big Brother' Winners Through The Years
Craig Phillips(01 of18)
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Craig won the first ever series of 'Big Brother', paving the way for over a decade more of bitching, sexual tension and arguing over the shopping budget. (credit:Sean Dempsey/PA Archive)
Brian Dowling(02 of18)
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'Big Brother' really found its feet in series two, when former flight attendant Brian Dowling was crowned the winner. (credit:John Stillwell/PA Archive)
Kate Lawler(03 of18)
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'Big Brother' had its first ever female winner in 2002, with Kate Lawler snatching the title. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Cameron Stout(04 of18)
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Dubbed the most boring 'BB' ever, series four was eventually won by laugh-a-minute heartthrob, Cameron Stout. (credit:PA Archive)
Nadia Almada(05 of18)
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In one of the best moments in 'BB' history, Nadia was moved to tears with the cheers from the crowd and fireworks that surrounded her as she was named the winner of 'Big Brother 5'. (credit:Andy Butterton/PA Archive)
Anthony Hutton(06 of18)
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It isn't hard to see why the public chose Anthony as their winner in 2005... (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Pete Bennett(07 of18)
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Pete's win was a typically understated one... (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Brian Belo(08 of18)
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True, he didn't know who Shakespeare was, but Brian's endearing nature landed him the title of 'BB' winner in series eight. (credit:Stuart Wilson via Getty Images)
Rachel Rice(09 of18)
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Good dress. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Sophie Reade(10 of18)
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Sophie Reade was amazed when she was voted the winner of 'Big Brother 10', but the real star of the show was Davina McCall's quiff.10/10, Davina. Well done all concerned. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Josie Gibson(11 of18)
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After winning 'Big Brother 11', Josie was quickly thrown back into the house when 'Ultimate Big Brother' started, but walked after a few days declaring "I'm not a celebrity I'm just normal".We suppose it was sharing a house with A-listers like Preston from the Ordinary Boys and Makosi that intimidated her so much. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Brian Dowling(12 of18)
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The people's favourite, Brian triumphed over Nadia, Makosi, Josie and - bizarrely - Ulrika Jonsson to be crowned 'Ultimate Housemate'. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Aaron Allard-Morgan(13 of18)
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In Channel 5's first crack at the 'BB' whip, Aaron Allard-Morgan was named the public's favourite and walked away with the cash prize. (credit:Nat Jag via Getty Images)
Luke Anderson(14 of18)
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In 2012, 'BB' had one of its bitchiest years ever with the housemates basically turning on each other from the get go. Luke Anderson became the second ever transgender winner that year. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Sam Evans(15 of18)
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In what turned out to be a vintage year for 'BB', Sam Evans was voted the winner. Since scooping the prize it's thought he's gone back to his old job at Debenhams. Living the dream. (credit:Danny Martindale via Getty Images)
Helen Wood (16 of18)
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Then there's Helen Wood. Well, what can we say? Her face says it all. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Chloe Wilburn (17 of18)
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While the returning Nikki Grahame was obviously the star of the series, she wasn't eligible to win (sadly). Instead, the 'Timebomb'-themed run was won by normal lass Chloe. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Jason Burrill(18 of18)
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In another shock win, Jason was crowned the champion of the 2017 run over bookies' favourite Hughie Morgan, much to the disgust of his ex-girlfriend and fellow housemate Charlie Doherty. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)