Love Island star Sophie Gradon dead at 32

Love Island star Sophie Gradon has died at the age of 32.

Sophie's boyfriend, Aaron Armstrong, confirmed the reality TV star's death on Facebook, saying he was "absolutely devastated".

Posting a picture of the two of them together, he wrote: "I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always."

The couple had recently returned from a holiday in the resort town of Antibes near Cannes and Nice in southern France after celebrating his birthday.

"Having a magical time... first time in Antibes and I'm blown away by the beauty of the place," Gradon wrote on Facebook.

"... how's everyone finding the new love island??? I can't wait to catch up on all the goings on over the past week, I need updated!!! Who's your fave???"

Northumbria Police said: "At about 8.27pm yesterday (20 June) 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."

The day before she died, Gradon posted a video on social media of her boyfriend dancing with a dog, describing her other half as the love of her life and "the one".

Three days prior to that, she paid tribute on Instagram to nightclub boss Paul Burns, who died at the aged of 37 earlier this month.

She wrote: "Today was all about you sweetheart. What an amazing send off for our Mr Newcastle @mrpaulburns1 Thank you for being there when you recognised I needed someone, you are a true saint. I only wish I had got to know you better. All my love and thoughts with your nearest and dearest."

The TV celebrity from Newcastle took part in the second series of Love Island in 2016 and was one half of the ITV2 dating show's first same-sex couple.

She was crowned Miss Great Britain in 2009.

The competition tweeted: "Shocked beyond belief!!! RIP @sophiegradon sending all our love to Sophie's family at this incredibly sad time 😔xx"

Her Love Island co-star Katie Salmon said she was "heartbroken", writing: "Your smile will be remembered forever."

Olivia Buckland, who appeared in Love Island with Gradon, tweeted: "Awful awful news this morning. I am gutted. I am so sorry the world failed you. You were such an intricate, creative, intelligent soul. Words fail me."

In a further tweet, she wrote: "You helped us through so much. Your smile was one in a million. The world failed. I send all my love and my thoughts to you today. To your family and your loved ones. I cannot work out what to say. RIP you beautiful beautiful woman. I'm so lucky to have met you. #stayshapey."

Alex Bowen, who also appeared in Love Island in 2016, wrote: "We had lots of little chats and so many laughs. you were the the shoulder to cry on and a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. Shine bright in that sky Sophie gradon."

"Such a awful day," wrote Cara de la Hoyde, who won Love Island in 2016. "My heart is broken & goes out to the very one effected."

De la Hoyde's partner and fellow Love Island winner Nathan Massey wrote: "Truly shocked and upset from the news this morning ! You was like a big sis to me in the villa. thoughts go out to her family and Friends ! RIP Soph."

Love Island host Caroline Flack tweeted: "So very sad. Such a beautiful soul .... such a beautiful smile ...thoughts and love with friends and family @sophiegradon."

Former Miss GB and Love Island star Zara Holland decribed Gradon as "the nicest, kindst, caring, hard woking girl I have ever met".

She wrote: "I'm beyond heartbroken, I'm in shock. My gorgeous girl, why."