Sophie Gradon’s former Love Island boyfriend Tom Powell has shared his shock and heartbreak over the star’s tragic death.
The pair had been coupled up together during the second series of the ITV2 dating show in 2016.
Sophie famously walked out of the villa to reunite with Tom after he was dumped, and they dated for a while before parting ways.
Reacting to his former girlfriend’s death, Tom, 26, shared a beautiful and poignant photograph to Instagram showing the couple beaming in happier times.
He wrote as the caption: “Today has been one which we will never forget.. The world will truly be a different place without you.
Read more: Love Island fans heartbroken by tribute to Sophie Gradon
“Your life inspired so many women to be who they really are and people everywhere to be open about the anxiety/depression and that it was nothing to be ashamed of. You truly changed the lives of so many.
“I am proud to of had you in my life.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkS9GbkDL3R/?hl=en&taken-by=iamthomaspowell
Former Miss Great Britain Sophie was found dead on Wednesday night at the age of just 32.
Police have said they aren’t treating her death as suspicious.
A cause of death has not been confirmed.
In an interview with Metro, Tom said he was still in shock over the loss of Sophie, saying he had spoken to her via FaceTime two weeks ago.
He said they remained good friends after a rocky break-up, adding: “We spoke regularly, we were still so close.”
Tom added to OK!: “I spoke to her two or three weeks ago. Obviously we broke up badly, but then we both spoke about a year ago and apologised to each other, and since then we’ve been in regular contact.
“Every two or three weeks we would FaceTime to have a chat. Obviously we met through Love Island, and people don’t really understand that and how it created a bond between the two of us – so me and her were still quite close.”
While on Love Island, Sophie also had a brief coupling with Katie Salmon, making them the first same-sex couple on the show.
A heartbroken Katie has also paid tribute, sharing an emotional message online.
She said: “You was beautiful kind, funny. Your smile will live on forever. Your loss has touched so many and I wish you could see just how many people cared. Thinking of your family and loved ones at this time. Shine bright my lovely!”
Love Island paid tribute to Sophie ahead of Thursday night’s episode, with a beautiful photo of her appearing on screen with the words: “In loving memory of Sophie Gradon.”
A statement released on behalf of the show said: “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 Flack tweeted: “So very sad . Such a beautiful soul …. such a beautiful smile …thoughts and love with friends and family.”
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).”
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “At about 8.27pm (on 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.”
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