Love Island pay tribute to Sophie Gradon a year after her death

From Digital Spy

Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide that some readers may find upsetting.

Love Island has paid tribute to late star Sophie Gradon exactly one year after the former contestant's death.

The show took to Instagram earlier today (June 20) to post a photo of Sophie, leaving a tribute in the comments.

"In loving memory of Sophie Gradon (1985 - 2018), missed but never forgotten," the show said.

Former Love Island contestants including Malin Andersson and Zara Holland have also been remembering Sophie today.

"RIP to the most beautiful soul and friend Sophie Gradon.. miss you so much," said Malin. "Please all look after each other up there."

"You're always in my thoughts gorgeous girl, Sophie," Zara wrote. "I can’t believe it’s been a year since you went to heaven.

"We all love and miss you so much. RIP baby girl x"

Sophie passed away in 2018 aged 32, with an inquest recently concluding that the reality star had taken her own life. However, her parents disputed the findings of the inquest, which concluded in in April.

Earlier in this series of Love Island, the show paid tribute to late star Mike Thalassitis, who passed away earlier this year.

Both contestants' deaths sparked a huge conversation about reality show aftercare, with host Caroline Flack recently weighing into the discussion.

"I think as the show gets bigger, it has to evolve," she reflected. "So, yes, the duty of care has become greater. But this is a wider issue. We should all be looking out for each other more.

"Everyone should be helping each other out and being nicer to each other and if someone's feeling down, reaching out to them."

Love Island airs at 9pm on ITV2, and you can catch up on the show via ITV Hub.

We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org), and Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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