'Love Island' leads tributes to Sophie Gradon one year after tragic death

Love Island has said Sophie Gradon will be “never forgotten” as it marked the anniversary of her death.

The model - who appeared on the ITV2 reality show in 2016 - tragically took her own life on June 20th 2018 aged 32.

Love Island posed a picture of Gradon on Instagram and wrote: “In loving memory of Sophie Gradon (1985 - 2018), missed but never forgotten.”

Zara Holland, who appeared on the show in the same series as Gradon also posted a tribute on social media, writing: “Your always in my thoughts gorgeous girl, Sophie I can’t believe it’s been a year since you went to heaven. We all love and miss you so much. [sic]”

Read more: Caroline Flack: It's not fair to blame 'Love Island' for contestant deaths

Former Islander Malin Andersson wrote: “RIP to the most beautiful soul and friend Sophie Gradon. Miss you so much. Please all look after each other up there.”

Gradon’s boyfriend Aaron Armstrong also died by suicide 20 days after she ended her life.

Following the suicides of Gradon and 2017 Love Island contestant Mike Thalalssitis in March this year, producers of the dating show announced they were enhancing their aftercare process for contestants.

Among the key changes are enhanced psychological support, more detailed discussions with contestants around the potential impact of the programme on their lives, and bespoke training for all Islanders on social media and financial management.

Read more: 'Love Island': ITV to offer enhanced psychological support to contestants

ITV have said this year’s contestants will be given at least eight therapy sessions upon returning home, and contact with each Islander would last for 14 months after the series in which they appeared had ended.

Joe Garratt, who has just been voted off the show, has reportedly kept in a safe house since he left the villa after being accused by some viewers of abusive and controlling behaviour in his relationship with fellow contestant Lucie Donlan.