Rachel Fenton hopes Sophie Gradon’s death will teach people to look after each other and "see beyond what’s on social media".
The former ‘Love Island’ star appeared in the second series of the ITV2 show alongside Sophie – who was found dead at her parents’ home aged 32 last month – and Rachel was left shocked when she heard about her co-star’s passing.
She said: "I was mind-blown by Sophie’s death. It’s so incredibly sad and I hope it teaches people to look after others and see beyond what’s on social media."
Rachel hopes this year’s ‘Love Island’ contestants will be "savvy" to the "crazy" pressure when they exit the villa, and claims she has barely been contacted by ITV since leaving the villa, but they did get in touch "too little, too late" following Sophie’s passing.
She said: "The pressure when you come off ‘Love Island’ is crazy, you can never prepare yourself enough for that.
"But I hope this year’s contestants will be a bit more savvy because they know there is so much weight behind it. When we came out we were just given a list of management.
"When Sophie’s death was announced last month we were all rung up. But in my opinion it’s too little, too late.
"Asking us, ‘Are you all right?’ should have happened in the weeks and months after the show, not years."
Since appearing in the villa, Rachel has returned to her job as an orthopaedic nurse, and is pleased she was able to reprise her role after being in the spotlight.
She added to the Daily Star newspaper: "I have no regrets at all and I will always be happy with how I acted in there. I could have been more outspoken but, if anything, wanted to remain professional.
"Because I am a nurse I did not feel like it would be good for me to be swearing all the time.
"I love my job. It was nice to go back to it after the show. A couple of people recognised me initially but they only had nice things to say."
‘Love Island’ host Caroline Flack paid tribute to Sophie on the programme’s spin-off show ‘Love Island: Aftersun’ last month.
Shortly before a commercial break, Caroline said: "Tragically this week, we lost a beautiful soul in Sophie Gradon.
"She was a gorgeous person both inside and out, and everyone’s thoughts here at ‘Love Island’ are with Sophie’s friends and family at this really terrible time.
"Sophie, we’ll never forget you."
Rachel Fenton calls for change following Sophie Gradon’s death
