Bobby Brazier's grandmother pictured in tears as she finally watches him dance

26 January 2024 , 15:00

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Bobby Brazier's grandmother pictured in tears as she finally watches him dance

Bobby Brazier's grandmother Jackiey Budden has finally seen her famous grandson perform in Strictly Come Dancing as she made a secret trip to Newcastle to stop any possible blocking of her attending.

Jackiey was seen standing and waving as Bobby lifted the glitter ball on the night with dance partner Dianne Buswell. Jackiey was reportedly banned from going to the Strictly studio to watch Bobby on the show.

It comes after Bobby's grandmother was reportedly shunned from the family Christmas celebrations over a feud with Jeff Brazier. Jade Goody's mum Jackiey is said to have been "very upset" and "would do anything" to see her grandsons Bobby and Freddie, but had been unable to due to the "rift".

Bobby Brazier's grandmother Jackiey Budden has finally seen her famous grandson perform in Strictly Come Dancing (.)

Jackiey appeared to be wiping tears away (.)

Bobby and Freddie spent Christmas with their dad and step-mum. A friend reportedly confirmed that she wouldn't be joining the boys for Christmas Day and would instead be spending it at her south east London flat. "It’s tremendously sad for Jackiey, the boys are really the only family she has left since Jade died," they told the Mail on Sunday. "She would give anything to be with them on the day, to give them their presents and tell them how much she loves them."

Jackiey has let her feelings towards Jeff known in recent months. During the National Television Awards she made her thoughts clear to those sat beside her in the audience.

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According to The Sun, Jackie had bought a ticket the TV awards show and was overheard telling audience members, after Bobby's emotional acceptance speech: "I'm so proud of him [Bobby]. He's incredible. They didn't know I was there. I didn't allow them to know I was there.

Jackiey has finally seen Bobby perform (.)

Bobby performed alongside Diane (.)

"I didn't want to see their dad. He's a c**k. But I'm going to wait until they're older before I let rip." And this would have done little to ease the tumultuous relationship she has with Jeff.

Jackiey's tumultuous relationship with Jeff has meant she's missed out on seeing Bobby perform live. She told the Sun on Sunday: "Unfortunately I haven’t seen Bobby live. I would have loved to, but it’s just one of those things. I’ve been supporting him from home, watching every moment."

Jeff has solely been looking after both Bobby and Freddie since Jade's tragic death in 2009 after she lost her battle with cervical cancer. And soon after, following a series of arguments, Jackiey has not been able to rebuild her relationship with Jeff.

Jackiey gave her grandson a standing ovation (.)

Jackiey appeared in high spirits as she attended the live show (.)

Those close to the family told the Mail: "Jeff and Jackiey haven't got on for a long time and it has been hard. It has meant that Jackiey hasn't been able to be in the audience to watch Bobby, things are just too bad between her and his father. He and his brother Freddie are her only grandchildren and she adores them, there is nothing she would love more than to be there to watch him live."

Bobby recently opened up about the support of his family and how it kept him going on Strictly Come Dancing. The EastEnders star's father Jeff and brother had regularly been seen in the audience, cheering him on. However, grandmother Jackiey, who is the mother of Bobby's late mum, Jade Goody, is said to be banned from attending the live shows following her fractured relationship with Jeff after a long-running feud that's spanned decades.

During a chat with The Mirror and other press last month, Bobby discussed how much his family and friends have supported him - and how that kept him in the competition for so long, describing it as a team effort. Following Bobby's chat, his nan Jackiey has been spotted placing photo of him and Dianne at Jade's grave.

Bobby and Diane lifted the Glitter Ball Trophy on stage (.)

Speaking to The Mirror and other press, when asked about his family support, he said: "I realised the other day - which I'm really grateful to have re-remembered - is that the reason that doing stuff like this is so so fun and so cool is because it's not just me who experiences it, but it's my team too. It's my friends and family and my nearest and dearest that all experience it to the same level.

"That's the best thing in the world. I love it and I love that so much to be able to bring my best friends or my friends to cool things that I'm able to do. That's what makes it fun because otherwise - I don't really know."

Susan Knox