Love Island has issued a statement following the death of former contestant Sophie Gradon, aged just 32.
The series two favourite’s death was sadly announced on Thursday, and police have said they are not treating it as suspicious.
A spokesperson for Love Island 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.”
Love Island’s host Caroline Flack said on Twitter: “So very sad . Such a beautiful soul …. such a beautiful smile …thoughts and love with friends and family.”
Read more: Love Island stars pay tribute to Sophie Gradon
The reality star 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 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.
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.
Among them was Olivia Buckland, who tweeted: “Awful awful news this morning. I am gutted. You were such an intricate, creative, intelligent soul. Words fail me.
“You helped us through so much. Your smile was one in a million. 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.”
Olivia’s fiancé, Alex Bowen, who also knew Sophie from Love Island tweeted: “We had lots of little chats and so many laughs.”
He added: “You were the the shoulder to cry on and a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. Shine bright in that sky Sophie Gradon.”
https://twitter.com/ab_bowen07/status/1009744887573614592
Sophie’s former love interest Katie Salmon has also spoken out, sharing a lengthy tribute to social media.
A devastated Katie said: “Your smile will be remembered forever. My thoughts are with your family, friends and loved ones at this horrendous time. Too young, too sweet, too kind.”
She added: “Am sending all my love, I truly am, to everyone who had the pleasure of ever being in her company.”
Fellow Love Island contestants including Cara de la Hoyde, Amber Davies, Malin Andersson and Hayley Hughes have also paid tribute.
Such a awful day 💔 my heart is broken & goes out to the very one effected 🙏🏼
— Cara de la Hoyde-Massey (@Miss_Delahoyde) June 21, 2018
I’m beyond heartbroken, I’m in shock. My gorgeous girl, why. 😢😭 you will be truly missed, I will think about you every single day. The nicest, kindest, caring, hard working girl I have ever met. Sending all my love to your family. I love you x @sophiegradon pic.twitter.com/PqqPeb4PA7
— Zara Holland (@zaraholland11) June 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/HayleyHughes_xx/status/1009738136124043269
I am in absolutely in shock! @sophiegradon what a beautiful woman you were. RIP ❤️
— Amber Davies (@Amber_Davies7) June 21, 2018
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.
— Malin Andersson (@MissMalinSara) June 21, 2018
Thoughts are with @sophiegradon family and friends. What sad, heartbreaking news. All my love x
— GABBY ALLEN (@gabbydawnallen) June 21, 2018
Can’t believe what’s happened. Such a beautiful young women @sophiegradon sending thoughts to all your family and friends. ❣️
— Tyne-lexy (@tynelexyclarson) June 21, 2018
I don’t know what to say….
I love you @sophiegradon 🙏🏼🖤
Rest in paradise
— Rykard (@ItsRykard) June 21, 2018
I’m so so shocked and heartbroken to hear this tragic news about @sophiegradon 😢😭 what a beautiful soul she was I’m completely speechless. RIP Soph you angel 🤭😧😪
— Cally Jane Beech (@MissCallyJane) June 21, 2018
@sophiegradon you was a larger than life character who was always up for a good crack. RIP your will be a massive loss to the world..
— Adam Jukes (@AdamJukes1) June 21, 2018
Tributes have also poured in from other reality stars, who have expressed their shock and grief at Sophie’s death.
So shocked and awful news @sophiegradon what a beautiful young girl… 😔💔 my heart goes out to all her family and loved ones. X
— Charlotte Dawson (@CharlotteDawsx) June 21, 2018
@sophiegradon rest in peace you beautiful little angel, the heavens are blessed with a beautiful smile R.I.P xxx
— Nathan Henry (@NathanHGShore) June 21, 2018
Feel so saddened and in shock, you’ll be missed you beautiful girl @sophiegradon x❤️
— Courtney Green (@courtneyMgreen) June 21, 2018
Jesus how sad what a good woman and friend I’m so sorry for this loss ! My thoughts and prayers are with her family . So damn sad @sophiegradon RIP
— Calum Best Official (@CalumBest) June 21, 2018
It was only 24 hours ago we were laughing about me on Twitter and talking about my antics. You were the most beautiful kind hearted soul …. we have lost another angel @sophiegradon 😢
— ☮ Sophie ☮ (@SophieKasaei_) June 21, 2018
All my thoughts with @sophiegradon and her family and friends ,such heartbreaking news ,Rest in peace beautiful girl ❤️
— Stephanie Davis (@Stephdavis77) June 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/Mario_Falcone/status/1009750705056477184
I can’t believe it @sophiegradon life is so cruel!! rest in peace 🙏🏻
— Nicola McLean (@NicolaMcLean) June 21, 2018
Sophie’s final tweet was posted just two days ago as she chatted with followers about the current series of Love Island.
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