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
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."
Love Island star Sophie Gradon posted a heartbreaking tweet just days before her death this week.
The former Miss Great Britain, who died aged 32, wrote a tweet on June 15 saying - "I feel very deep tonight. Reflecting on life & what it means to live" - alongside a passage by poet J Raymond.
The poem read: "I want to live and love recklessly. Fly higher, drive faster, feel too deeply and act on things in spite of fear. I want to be out of control, laugh to no end, meet more strange people, make memories when I'm least expecting it, settle less, and see things that are beautiful and unusual."
"Taste new foods, and fall in love with as many things and people as possible," the passage continued. "I want to learn, and I want to question things more. Because, my god, our time to live is limited, and I swear, good enough never is."
As one half of Love Island's first same-sex couple, Gradon made history on the show with contestant Katie Salmon in 2016.
After news of her death surfaced, her boyfriend, Aaron Armstrong, posted a photo of himself with her on his Facebook page writing: "I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your [sic] my world forever ever and always."
Born in Newcastle, Gradon was crowned Miss Great Britain in 2009.
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Regarding her death, 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."
They continued: "There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner."
The cause of Gradon's death has not yet been revealed.
LOVE Island star Sophie Gradon has died aged 32.
Here's the lowdown on the reality star...
Rex Features Sophie Gradon has passed away aged 32
Who was Sophie Gradon?
Sophie, 32, was famed for being on Love Island on series 2 in 2016.
The former reality star, who hailed from Newcastle, was crowned Miss Great Britain in 2009.
She was also a former Miss Newcastle.
Her boyfriend broke the news of her death on social media
How did Sophie die?
It's unclear how Sophie died but a police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Her boyfriend revealed the news on Facebook.
Sharing a picture of them together, he wrote: "I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always"
Sophie described her battle with crippling anxiety and depression in a series of social media posts just months before her death.
More TV and showbiz 'IT WAS HORRIFIC' Sophie Gradon revealed online trolls made her life hell in last interview warning signs Love Island Adam's 'emotionally abusive behaviour' sparks charity concern LOVE ISLAND SOPHIE'S 'SUICIDE' Love Island's Sophie Gradon battled 'anxiety and cash fears' worth a patsy on the back Inside Patsy Palmer's Californian home with pool and lake views THE BITTER EMMD Emmerdale’s Anthony Quinlan splits from Strictly love after series of rows NO LOVE LOST Holly clashes with Lauren Goodger after she blames Rosie for Adam's 'abuse' Tragic death What was Sophie Gradon's cause of death? Brand new baby Russell Brand to become dad for 2nd time as he’s spotted with pregnant wife snappy ever after Abbey Clancy stuns in bikini and swimsuit as Peter takes holiday snaps
Who was Sophie's boyfriend? What happened on Love Island?
Sophie's boyfriend was Aaron Armstrong, it is not known exactly how long they had been together.
During her time on Love Island she was in a relationship with Tom Powell.
After he left the island she made history on the show as one half of the show's first same-sex couple after she coupled up with Katie Salmon.
She then quit the show to get back with Tom.
