‘Love Island’ aired a tribute to late former contestant Sophie Gradon last night (21.06.18).
The 32-year-old reality TV star – who appeared as a contestant on the ITV2 show in 2016 – was found dead at her parents’ home near Newcastle on Wednesday (20.06.18), and hours after her passing was announced, programme bosses broadcast a brief message of remembrance.
At the start of the episode, a slate appeared on ITV2 for a few seconds which read: "In loving memory of Sophie Gradon", accompanied by a picture of her smiling.
The show had also sent a message of condolence through their Twitter account.
They posted: "The ITV2 and Love Island team are profoundly saddened to hear the news about Sophie, and our deepest sympathies and thoughts go to her family and friends."
‘Love Island’ host Caroline Flack was one of the first to pay tribute to the former Miss Great Britain.
She tweeted: "So very sad . Such a beautiful soul …. such a beautiful smile …thoughts and love with friends and family.(sic)"
Former ‘Geordie Shore’ star Holly Hagan also posted a message for her pal.
She said of Sophie: "You were only helping me battle the twitter trolls yesterday. Rest in peace beautiful."
Sophie’s sad passing came as a shock to her friends as they thought she was the "happiest she had ever been", despite her previous struggles with anxiety and depression.
A pal told The Sun newspaper: "We all thought Sophie was the happiest she had ever been.
"She had suffered from depression and anxiety and there was talk of financial issues which obviously adds to the worry she was enduring.
WHer friends thought she was in a great place as she was madly in love with her boyfriend and life was good.
"However a good friend died and it affected her very badly.
"She struggled to cope with it and fell into a dark place."
Her death is not being treated as suspicious.
Love Island pays tribute to Sophie Gradon
