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Love Island's 'disappointing' Sophie Gradon tribute leaves fans upset: 'Blinked and missed it'

Love Island fans were left fuming over the tribute to former contestant Sophie Gradon, who has died, aged 32.

The ITV2 show flashed up a picture of the reality star at the start of Thursday night’s episode alongside the words: “In loving memory of Sophie Gradon.”

But the tribute was deemed “shabby” and criticised by fans who called for a montage of her best clips.

Others claimed to have missed it altogether, accusing show bosses of not leaving it on screen for long enough.

Fan favourite: Sophie Gradon with Tom Powell on Love Island in 2016 (ITV/Rex)
Fan favourite: Sophie Gradon with Tom Powell on Love Island in 2016 (ITV/Rex)

One viewer tweeted: “Shabby. I was baffled how I missed it but I understand now. I literally blinked and missed it. That was it. That was her tribute??? Makes me very sad. @itv2 @LoveIsland.”

Another wrote: “Is that IT? I really thought they’d have a proper tribute to Sophie, with some of her best moments in #LoveIsland⁠.”

A third slammed bosses for not taking the time to address mental health, posting: “Am I the only one fumin about that “tribute” what a huge platform to raise Mental Health wasted. @LoveIsland well done huns what a riveting episode dedicated.”

Others praised the tribute which left some viewers in tears.

One tweeted: “The dedication at the start of tonight’s episode made me cry RIP Sophie #loveisland.”

Another posted: “So glad @LoveIsland did a loving tribute to Sophie tonight, RIP #loveisland.”

ITV released a statement in the wake of the news of Gradon’s death in which bosses expressed “profound sadness at the news and extend deepest sympathies and thoughts to her family and friends”.

Love Island host Caroline Flack also paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “So very sad . Such a beautiful soul .... such a beautiful smile ...thoughts and love with friends and family @sophiegradon.”

Gradon's former 2016 Love Island co-stars Olivia Buckland, Tom Powell, Cara De La Hoyde and Katie Salmon, who she coupled up with in a Love Island first, also paid tribute.

Gradon’s boyfriend Aaron Armstrong announced the news of her passing on Thursday with a touching Facebook post.

“I will never forget that smile. I love you so so much baby, you're my world forever and always,” he posted alongside a picture of the two of them.

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."