Tributes paid to Love Island star Sophie Gradon

Tributes have been paid to Sophie Gradon, the former Love Island contestant and Miss Great Britain, who has died at the age of 32.
The ITV2 dating show said it was “profoundly saddened” to learn of Gradon’s passing, and offered its “deepest sympathies” to her family and friends.

Before Thursday night’s episode on ITV2, a slate appeared onscreen which read: “In loving memory of Sophie Gradon”, accompanied by a picture of the 32-year-old.
Gradon, who appeared in the 2016 series of Love Island, was found dead at an address in Northumberland in the UK on Wednesday.
A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: “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.”
Gradon was romantically linked with Thomas Powell in the Love Island villa but hit headlines when she began a relationship with fellow contestant Katie Salmon.
Writing on Twitter, Salmon said she was “heartbroken” to hear of Gradon’s death, while Powell said she would be “dearly missed by so many”.
Caroline Flack, who hosts the programme, tweeted: “So very sad. Such a beautiful soul… such a beautiful smile… thoughts and love with friends and family @sophiegradon.”

Cara de la Hoyde, who won the series with Nathan Massey, wrote on Twitter of an “awful day” and said her heart was broken by the news.
Olivia Buckland, who also appeared on the same series, 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 was also on the same series, added: “We had lots of little chats and so many laughs you were the shoulder to cry on and a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. Shine bright in that sky Sophie Gradon.”
Another contestant on the series, Kady McDermott, wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear what happened to Soph.
“I am so glad to have experienced Love Island with you and to have known you. Kind gentle soul taken too young. Stay Shapey up there. RIP.”
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