Love Island viewers have shared their sadness after the show paid tribute to late contestant Sophie Gradon.
A beautiful photo of a smiling Sophie was shown on screen before Thursday night’s episode on ITV2, with the message: “In loving memory of Sophie Gradon.”
Sophie was found dead at her home in Northumbria on Wednesday night, aged just 32. Police are not treating her death as suspicious.
The poignant acknowledgement of Sophie’s tragic passing struck a chord with heartbroken fans.
The tribute at the start of love island for sophie was lovely #loveisland
— Dani (@MaudsleyDani) June 21, 2018
Loved that little tribute to Sophie🙏🏼💔 #loveisland #RIPSophie
— Kerrie Long (@Kerrie1611) June 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/_hannahmanning/status/1009888975706902529
https://twitter.com/mendesraindrops/status/1009889189285056515
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Other viewers, however, felt the show should have done more to remember Sophie, who was a fan favourite on series two back in 2016.
Among them was season two contestant Rykard Jenkins, who shared a villa with Sophie.
Poor effort
All that footage and couldn’t even put a 1 min video up of one of your best contestants
— Rykard (@ItsRykard) June 21, 2018
He tweeted: “Poor effort All that footage and couldn’t even put a 1 min video up of one of your best contestants.”
Some suggested there should have been a montage of her best moments played on screen.
https://twitter.com/mrsamleo/status/1009909604422217728
https://twitter.com/Sashacotterill/status/1009906446711091201
https://twitter.com/mrsamleo/status/1009909604422217728
really think #loveisland should have done a bit more of a tribute like a montage or something at the end even just a picture of @sophiegradon!!! that was the best series and sophie was without a doubt one of the most memorable contestants.. bit disappointed in you @LoveIsland
— lisa (@lisatwenty1) June 21, 2018
Some viewers, however, predicted that Love Island’s spinoff show, Aftersun, will do a lengthier tribute to Sophie.
The programme, hosted by Caroline Flack, airs Sunday nights.
https://twitter.com/erinlesley1/status/1009905699688714242
https://twitter.com/_bethwall2/status/1009912008806977536
@LoveIsland would be thoughtful if you guys did a tribute to Sophie gradon on this sundays Aftersun
— James Dunn💙 (@JamesdunnUK) June 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/dangerous_glory/status/1009920260722561024
Love Island and ITV2 had paid tribute to Sophie in an earlier statement, saying: “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.”
Host Caroline tweeted: “So very sad . Such a beautiful soul …. such a beautiful smile …thoughts and love with friends and family.”
Sophie was best known for appearing on the second series of the ITV2 dating show, which featured Olivia Buckland, Alex Bowen, Nathan Massey and Cara de la Hoyde.
Sophie was also a former Miss Great Britain.
A spokesperson for 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.”
A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
A statement posted to the Miss Great Britain Twitter account read: “Shocked beyond belief!!! RIP Sophie Gradon. Sending all our love to Sophie’s family at this incredibly sad time.”
Sophie’s journey in Love Island 2016 saw her couple up with both Tom Powell and Katie Salmon, making them the first same-sex pairing on the show.
She famously walked off Love Island after realising her feelings for Tom, who had been dumped earlier.
Tom paid tribute via Instagram, sharing a throwback of himself and Sophie in happier times.
He wrote alongside the beautiful image: “Today has been one which we will never forget.. The world will truly be a different place without you.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkS9GbkDL3R/?hl=en&taken-by=iamthomaspowell
Sophie had been in a relationship with Aaron Armstrong at the time of her death, who paid tribute on Facebook with the message: “I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always (sic).”
Her famous friends and Love Island co-stars have also spoken out.
Just last week, Sophie had posted a poignant quote to Twitter, telling fans: “I feel very deep tonight. Reflecting on life & what it means to live.”
The passage, by poet J. Raymond, included the words: “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.”
I feel very deep tonight. Reflecting on life & what it means to live. pic.twitter.com/pUOMHj49LK
— Sophie Gradon (@sophiegradon) June 15, 2018
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