Former Love Island contestant Sophie Gradon has died aged 32, according to reports.
Gradon made history on the dating show in 2016 as one half of Love Island's first same-sex couple, after she "coupled up" with Katie Salmon.
Gradon's boyfriend Aaron Armstrong posted a photo of himself with her on his Facebook page and wrote: "I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your [sic] my world forever ever and always."
The former reality TV star, who was born in Newcastle, was crowned Miss Great Britain in 2009.
A cause of death is currently unclear.
A spokesperson from Northumbria Police said: "At about 8.27pm yesterday police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased.
"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner."
Tributes have been paid by friends and Love Island fans. The official Miss Great Britain account tweeted it was "shocked beyond belief - RIP @sophiegradon sending all our love to Sophie's family at this incredible sad time".
Gradon's former co-star Olivia Buckland said: "Awful awful news this morning. I am gutted. I am so sorry the world failed you. You were such an intricate, creative, intelligent soul. Words fail me."
Alex Bowan, who was a runner-up on the 2016 series of the ITV2 show and is engaged to Buckland, tweeted: "We had lots of little chats and so many laughs. You were the shoulder to cry on and a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. Shine bright in that sky Sophie Gradon."
Reality star who appeared in 2016 series of show has been found dead in Northumberland
Love Island star Sophie Gradon has died at the age of 32, it has been confirmed.
The reality star, who appeared in the 2016 series of the ITV2 dating show, was found dead at an address in Ponteland, Northumberland on Wednesday.
A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: “At about 8.27pm yesterday (June 20) police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased.
“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner.”
The former Miss Great Britain coupled up with Thomas Powell in the villa but hit headlines when she began a relationship with fellow contestant Katie Salmon.
Cara de la Hoyde, who won the series with Nathan Massey, wrote on Twitter: “Such a awful day my heart is broken & goes out to the very one effected.”
Olivia Buckland, who also appeared on the same series, wrote: “Awful awful news this morning. I am gutted. I am so sorry the world failed you. You were such an intricate, creative, intelligent soul. Words fail me.
“You helped us through so much. Your smile was one in a million. The world failed. I send all my love and my thoughts to you today.
“To your family and your loved ones. I cannot work out what to say. RIP you beautiful beautiful woman. I’m so lucky to have met you. #stayshapey”
Alex Bowen, who was also on the same series, added: “We had lots of little chats and so many laughs you were the the shoulder to cry on and a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. Shine bright in that sky Sophie gradon.”
Another contestant on the series, Kady McDermott, wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear what happened to Soph.
“I am so glad to have experienced Love Island with you and to have known you. Kind gentle soul taken too young. Stay Shapey up there. RIP.”
After the tragic death of Love Island star Sophie Gradon, ITV bosses have broken their silence to express 'profound sadness at the news and extend deepest sympathies and thoughts to her family and friends.'
It was revealed on Thursday morning that the 32-year-old former Miss Great Britain was found dead in her home just hours before, leading to an influx of social media tributes from her co-stars, friends and fans.
Having starred opposite Sophie in the 2016 series, pregnant Malin took to Twitter to honour her friend while also discussing mental health awareness, the post-show assistance given to stars and Thursday night's episode.
Devastating: After the tragic death of Love Island star Sophie Gradon, ITV bosses have broken their silence to express 'profound sadness at the news and extend deepest sympathies and thoughts to her family and friends'
Following the announcement of Sophie's death, social media has been swarmed with messages raising awareness for mental health issues - leading to Malin's observation about the impact of appearing on a reality show.
Following the news, a spokesman for ITV said today: 'The whole 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.'
After remaining relatively removed from the spotlight, Sophie candidly discussed her mental health issues in September, when she told her Twitter followers: 'Hi guys, no not dead just battling a little bit of depression. I'll come back I promise x'.
On Thursday, Malin voiced concern over the aftercare provided to the stars of the show as she mentioned the impact of reality TV on mental health.
Heartbroken: It was revealed on Thursday morning that the 32-year-old former Miss Great Britain was found dead in her home just hours before, leading to an influx of social media tributes from her co-stars, friends and fans
'My beautiful girl': Malin shared tributes on a host of sites
In the midst of a string of Twitter messages, Malin beseeched bosses to pull the latest episode from schedules, as she honoured her friend by penning: NOT ENOUGH AFTERCARE TONIGHT SHOULD NOT AIR'.
Backing her comment, Twitter users wrote: 'Can @LoveIsland do an episode in memory of Sophie gradon please ☹ #Loveisland #sophiegradon...
'i really hope you put some kind of memorial on for tonight’s episode, or cancel it in respect to Sophie Gradon... Shame on you. No mention of the tragic passing of Sophie Gradon. Hope you remember her in the credits of tonight’s episode.
Honour: Backing her comment, Twitter users wrote: 'Can @LoveIsland do an episode in memory of Sophie gradon please ☹ #Loveisland #sophiegradon'
Cruel: In the rest of her glowing tribute, Malin wrote: 'RIP @sophiegradon THIS WORLD IS CRUEL. I can’t believe what I’ve just read. You beautiful angel. I have no words. I’m in so much pain. A beautiful friend and person. It hasn’t sunk in'
'It’s the least she deserves. RIP lovely Sophie, thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends #LoveIsland'.
As well as the calls for the show to be removed, fans are questioning whether Sophie's friend and fellow Newcastle-native Ellie Brown would be alerted to her passing while she remains in the villa - having entered earlier this week.
In the rest of her glowing tribute, Malin wrote: 'RIP @sophiegradon THIS WORLD IS CRUEL. I can’t believe what I’ve just read. You beautiful angel. I have no words. I’m in so much pain. A beautiful friend and person. It hasn’t sunk in.'
Devastated: Malin (pictured on the show in 2016) formed a close bond with Sophie
Her pal: As well as the calls for the show to be removed, fans are questioning whether Sophie's friend and fellow Newcastle-native Ellie Brown would be alerted to her passing (Ellie pictured in a tweet posted by Sophie last week)
She wrote: 'I’m so distraught. All our memories in Love Island and after. Beautiful girl. Please rest in peace now... MENTAL HEALTH IS SERIOUS...
'LOOK AFTER EACH AND EVERYONE!... Try going on a show like that and see what it can POTENTIALLY do to your mental health after'.
She later retweeted a message from a follower reading: 'Was it all with the aftermath of loveisland? She was constantly being trolles wasnt she? Yet she had a dont give a Fuck attitude... there was clearly pain behind that smile xxx.'
Another fan echoed the sentiment reading: 'Maybe all you ex islanders need to step in if this is the case. You obviously know what it’s like after the island and maybe @LoveIsland need to address it to prevent another sad loss. So tragic and sad.. I send love to all that knew Sophie and prey something is done.'
Heartbroken: Another fan echoed the sentiment reading: 'Maybe all you ex islanders need to step in if this is the case (Sophie pictured in 2009)
Heartbroken: Malin posted an image of the pair together with the added caption: 'My beautiful girl. Rest in Heaven now. Nothing has sunk in, and I have no words to say I’m speechless'
Malin posted an image of the pair together with the added caption: 'My beautiful girl. Rest in Heaven now. Nothing has sunk in, and I have no words to say I’m speechless.
'I met you on Love Island and you brought such laughter into my life, up until now. Your smile is one of a kind and you have always been a beautiful soul inside and out. All I know is that you’re an Angel up there and in a better place.
'This world is cruel. MENTAL HEALTH IS SERIOUS. TROLLING IS SERIOUS, DEPRESSION IS SERIOUS. THINK WHAT YOU SAY BEFORE YOU SAY IT. YOU DONT KNOW WHAT ANYONE IS BATTLING.'
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, or see samaritans.org for details
Tributes flooded in for late Love Island star Sophie Gradon after her devastating death was announced on Thursday.
The reality favourite was found dead at her home on Wednesday evening shortly before her co-stars, fans and fellow celebrities took to social media to share gushing tributes following her untimely death.
Leading the emotional messages to the star, who featured in the 2016 series of the show, was host Caroline Flack who branded Sophie 'a beautiful soul', while her ex Katie Salmon shared a heartbreaking statement alongside co-star Olivia Buckland.
Terrible: Tributes flooded in for late Love Island star Sophie Gradon (left) after her devastating death was announced on Thursday (pictured with ex Katie Salmon on the show in 2016)
News surfaced on Thursday that Sophie had been found dead at her home just hours before, shortly before the tributes poured in for the much-loved star.
A spokesperson from Northumbria Police told MailOnline: 'At about 8.27pm yesterday police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased.
'There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner.'
Leading the way was host Caroline, who shared an emotional message on the microblogging site reading: 'So very sad . Such a beautiful soul .... such a beautiful smile ...thoughts and love with friends and family'.
Awful: The reality favourite was found dead at her home on Wednesday evening shortly before her co-stars, fans and fellow celebrities took to social media to share gushing tributes following her untimely death
Tough: Leading the saddening tributes to the star, who featured in the 2016 series of the ITV2 show, was Love Island host Caroline Flack who branded Sophie 'a beautiful soul'
Devastated: Caroline shared the heartfelt message after news surfaced on Thursday
Beauty queen: Sophie was crowned Miss Newcastle in 2008 and Miss Great Britain in 2010
Sophie's ex Katie, who she was briefly coupled up with throughout her stint in the villa, shared a lengthy message with her fans in which she referenced the pressures of social media and the importance of mental health awareness.
Releasing a statement to her followers, Katie penned: 'Isn't it crazy how someone so stunning, so smiley and appeared so happy can feel no way out.
'The world we live in behind social media. I urge everyone to be kind to every person they meet and speak with social media and in person a simple smile a simple nice comment can really make a difference, you really don’t know the battles they go through every single day.
Heartbroken: Katie shared a lengthy message with her fans in which she referenced the pressures of social media and the importance of mental health awareness
Hard times: Following this, she OK! Online, Katie said: 'I'm heartbroken and am dissapointed in the support system, we still have much to do for mental health.She was a beautiful smiley loving girl and il never forget her
Way back when: There has been an outpouring of grief in the wake of the news the star had been found dead
That was then... While he did not write his own post, her other villa love interest Thomas Powell (pictured) retweeted a message from Holly Hagan reading: 'If you’re struggling right now PEOPLE CARE ABOUT YOU! I promise please speak to someone'
'The world has failed you beautiful. I’m heartbroken for you soph to have felt this pain. I wish there was more help out there. Your smile will be remembered forever. My thoughts are with your family friends and love ones at this horrendous time.
'To young, to sweet. To kind. Am sending all my love I truly am to everyone who had the pleasure of ever being in her company! X'
Following this, she told OK! Online: 'I'm heartbroken and am disappointed in the support system, we still have much to do for mental health. She was a beautiful smiley loving girl and I'll never forget her.'
Echoing her statement about mental health, emotional Olivia wrote: 'Mental health is f**king real. It’s hard. It’s ugly. It has many faces. World, you feel like you’re ready to talk about it now?'
Happier times: Co-star and pal Olivia Buckland took to Instagram and Twitter to share emotional tributes to the model and TV staer
Heartbroken: Olivia was sharing her grief on social media as she revealed she had woken up to the news and apologised to Sophie for the world 'failing her'
Heartbreaking: Sophie was one of the show's most beloved stars with her romantic rollercoasters keeping fans glued to screens throughout the 2016 run
Her heartbroken boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, who Sophie branded 'The One' on social media just hours before her death, penned: 'I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever'.
While he did not write his own post, her other villa love interest Thomas Powell retweeted a message from Holly Hagan reading: 'If you’re struggling right now PEOPLE CARE ABOUT YOU! I promise please speak to someone.'
Co-star and fellow Miss GB Zara Holland wrote: I’m heartbroken, I’m in shock. My gorgeous girl, why. You will be truly missed, I will think about you every single day.
'The nicest, kindest, caring, hard working girl I have ever met. Sending all my love to your family. I love you x @sophiegradon'.
Heartbreaking: Her heartbroken boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, who Sophie branded 'The One' on social media just hours before her death, penned: 'I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever'
Just days before... Sophie posted a loving tribute to her boyfriend just four days ago when she penned: 'I miss him... he's only been gone a whole four hours'
Good pals: Her co-star and fellow beauty queen Zara Holland posted an emotional tribute to the 'nicest, kindest, caring and hard working girl'
Emotional: Charlotte Dawson wrote: So shocked and awful news @sophiegradon what a beautiful young girl... my heart goes out to all her family and loved ones. X'
Back then: Proving the strength of their friendship, Sophie posted a sweet snap with Zara in January last year as she gave her a tender hug in the house
That was then: Sophie posted a snap with her co-stars Olivia Buckland, Emma Jane Woodham, Terry Walsh, Kady McDermott and Scott Thomas (left-right) last year
Alex Bowen followed his fiancee Olivia's lead, as he wrote: We had lots of little chats and so many laughs you were the the shoulder to cry on and a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. Shine bright in that sky Sophie gradon'.
Malin Andersson wrote: 'RIP @sophiegradon THIS WORLD IS CRUEL. I can’t believe what I’ve just read. You beautiful angel. I have no words. I’m in so much pain. A beautiful friend and person. It hasn’t sunk in.'
The expectant mum then went on to voice concern over the aftercare provided to the stars of the show as she mentioned the impact of reality TV on mental health.
She wrote: 'I’m so distraught. All our memories in Love Island and after. Beautiful girl. Please rest in peace now... MENTAL HEALTH IS SERIOUS... LOOK AFTER EACH AND EVERYONE!... Try going on a show like that and see what it can POTENTIALLY do to your mental health after'.
Devastating: Malin Andersson wrote: 'RIP @sophiegradon THIS WORLD IS CRUEL. I can’t believe what I’ve just read. You beautiful angel. I have no words. I’m in so much pain. A beautiful friend and person. It hasn’t sunk in'
Hard to believe: Malin posted an image of the pair together with the added caption: 'My beautiful girl. Rest in Heaven now. Nothing has sunk in, and I have no words to say I’m speechless'
Hard times: Sophie was swarmed with loving and emotional messages in response to the news
She later retweeted a message from a follower reading: 'Was it all with the aftermath of loveisland? She was constantly being trolles wasnt she? Yet she had a dont give a Fuck attitude... there was clearly pain behind that smile xxx.'
Another fan echoed the sentiment reading: 'Maybe all you ex islanders need to step in if this is the case. You obviously know what it’s like after the island and maybe @LoveIsland need to address it to prevent another sad loss. So tragic and sad.. I send love to all that knew Sophie and prey something is done.'
Malin posted an image of the pair together with the added caption: 'My beautiful girl. Rest in Heaven now. Nothing has sunk in, and I have no words to say I’m speechless.
'I met you on Love Island and you brought such laughter into my life, up until now. Your smile is one of a kind and you have always been a beautiful soul inside and out. All I know is that you’re an Angel up there and in a better place.
'Beautiful girl': Sophie won the hearts of many throughout her stint on TV
Devastating: Her popularity was clear to see as Sophie was lavished with adoring messages
'This world is cruel. MENTAL HEALTH IS SERIOUS. TROLLING IS SERIOUS, DEPRESSION IS SERIOUS. THINK WHAT YOU SAY BEFORE YOU SAY IT. YOU DONT KNOW WHAT ANYONE IS BATTLING.'
Charlotte Dawson wrote: So shocked and awful news @sophiegradon what a beautiful young girl... my heart goes out to all her family and loved ones. X'
Geordie Shore star Nathan Henry wrote: '@sophiegradon rest in peace you beautiful little angel, the heavens are blessed with a beautiful smile R.I.P xxx'
Last year's Love Island winner Amber Davies appeared devastated as she said: 'I am in absolutely in shock! @sophiegradon what a beautiful woman you were. RIP'
Touching: Calum Best gushed: Jesus how sad what a good woman and friend I’m so sorry for this loss ! My thoughts and prayers are with her family . So damn sad @sophiegradon RIP'
Way back when: Calum ran the Great North Run with Sophie in 2012, with the stunner sharing a throwback snap to the day on her Instagram in 2016
Pal: Her former co-star Cara de la Hoyde, and the winner of their series, was also issuing an emotional message
Sophie's friend Calum Best gushed: Jesus how sad what a good woman and friend I’m so sorry for this loss ! My thoughts and prayers are with her family . So damn sad @sophiegradon RIP'.
Another Geordie star Abbie Holborn wrote : 'It just shows someone can look the happiest person, but you never know what goes on behind closed doors. So beautiful, r.i.p @sophiegradon'
Following her 2009 stint as Miss Great Britain, the official Twitter account for the organisation sent out a message stating: 'Shocked beyond belief!!! RIP @sophiegradon sending all our love to Sophie’s family at this incredibly sad time xx'
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, or see samaritans.org for details.
