Advertisement

Sophie Gradon death: Caroline Flack pays tribute to ‘beautiful soul’ on Love Island’s Aftersun

Caroline Flack called Sophie Gradon a “beautiful soul” during an emotional tribute to the late Love Island star on Aftersun.

The reality show host paused Sunday’s spin-off show to reflect on the life of the 32-year-old star, who died last week.

“Before we go, tragically this week we lost a beautiful soul in Sophie Gradon,” she said ahead of a commercial break.

“She was a gorgeous person both inside and out. Everyone’s thoughts here at Love Island are with Sophie’s friends and family at this really terrible time. Sophie we will never forget you.”

Sophie Gradon appeared on Love Island in 2016 (ITV/Rex)
Sophie Gradon appeared on Love Island in 2016 (ITV/Rex)

Gradon, who appeared in the 2016 series of the ITV2 dating show, was found dead at an address in Ponteland, Northumberland last Wednesday.

Some Love Island fans were left disappointed by the show’s tribute to Gradon last Thursday, complaining that it was too brief.

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.

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”.

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.