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Love Island stars pay tribute to Sophie Gradon after her death at 32

She passed away at the age of 32

By Rebecca Carter
| Updated:

Former Love Island stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to season two contestant Sophie Gradon, who has died at the age of 32.

Sophie was best known for appearing on the 2016 series of the ITV2 show, which also featured Olivia Buckland, Alex Bowen, Nathan Massey and Cara de la Hoyde.

The programme’s contestants as well as host Caroline Flack have expressed their sadness at Sophie’s death.

Sophie starred in the second series of Love Island (Credit: Instagram)

Read more: Love Island contestant Sophie Gradon dead at 32

Caroline paid tribute to Sophie, tweeting: “So very sad. Such a beautiful soul …. such a beautiful smile …thoughts and love with friends and family.”

Meanwhile, the contestants who starred in the same series as Sophie have paid tribute.

Olivia, who was good friends with Sophie during their time in the villa, said she was devastated about the sad news.

She tweeted: “You were such an intricate, creative, intelligent soul. Words fail me.

Love Island's Olivia and Sophie
Olivia with Sophie on Love Island (Credit: ITV/Wenn)

“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.”

Cara, who also starred in the 2016 series, said her heart is “broken.”

She wrote on Twitter: “Such a awful day my heart is broken & goes out to the very one effected.”

Malin Andersson, who appeared on the second series of the show, admitted the news still hasn’t “sunk in”.

Kady McDermott said she feels “so glad” to have experienced Love Island with Sophie.

Scott Thomas, who was coupled up with Kady in the series, said Sophie “always managed to see the good” in him.

Alex Bowen, who is engaged to Olivia, said he and Sophie shared “lots of little chats and so many laughs”.

Zara Holland, who also starred in the second series, said she’s “beyond heartbroken” to hear the news.

Nathan Massey said Sophie was like a “big sis” to him in the villa.

Meanwhile, Love Island stars from other series of the show have paid tribute to Sophie.

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It was announced on Thursday that Sophie had passed away.

A spokesperson 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.”

Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)

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Love Island Sophie Gradon