Caroline Flack pays an emotional tribute to Sophie Gradon on Love Island

Love Island host Caroline Flack paid an emotional tribute to former contestant Sophie Gradon who tragically died last week.

During the spin-off show, Love Island Aftersun, on Sunday, presenter Caroline, 38, took a moment out of the show that catches audiences up on the gossip from the week’s episodes to honour the memory of Sophie Gradon.

Sophie was just 32 when she passed away, as her boyfriend made the heartbreaking announcement on Facebook.

Their statement said: ‘I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always,’ which was accompanied by a photo of Sophie and boyfriend, Aaron Armstrong.

Caroline took some time out from the usual bubbly persona she has on the show to express her sadness of the loss of Sophie.

‘Tragically this week, we lost a beautiful soul in Sophie Gradon,’ she began.

‘She was a gorgeous person both inside and out and everyone’s thoughts here at Love Island are with Sophie’s friends and family at this terrible time.’

She concluded: ‘Sophie, we’ll never forget you.’

Northumbria Police released a statement saying last week of her passing: ‘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.’

Thursday evening’s show was dedicated to the former star who appeared in series two, with a tribute at the beginning of the episode, and the show’s producers released a statement: ‘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.’

The programme’s tribute gave audiences a poignant reminder of her passing that showed a smiling photo of Sophie with the caption ‘In loving memory’.

Sophie appeared on the second series of Love Island in 2016, and is a former Miss Great Britain and Miss Newcastle winner.

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