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."
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.”
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.
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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.
