Love Island stars pay tribute to Sophie Gradon two years after she died aged 32

LOVE Island’s Malin Anderrson has led stars paying tribute to Sophie Gradon two years after she died aged 32.

Sophie starred with her in the 2016 series of the ITV2 dating show, and took her own life on June 20 in 2018.

Her co-star and mental health campaigner Malin, 27, shared a photo from their time on the ITV2 show and wrote: “Always right beside me.

“Then, now. Forever. I know you’re dancing with my girls. Love you Soph.”

Love Island stars Scott Thomas and Kady McDermott shared a string of hearts beneath the post, whilst Rykard Jenkins took to Instagram to share his own memories.

Beneath a beautiful portrait shot of Sophie smiling, he said: “Sophie it’s been a mad couple of years! You haven’t missed much apart from the world going in absolute melt down over a pandemic caused by a bat in Asia lol.

“I miss your humour, happiness & positive outlook on life. You’re a great person & everyone still loves & misses you down here! I’ll always hold you close my friend, Rest in Paradise.

Sophie was found dead at her parents’ home in Northumberland by boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, who then took his own life 20 days later in 2018.

Less than a year later, Love Island star Mike Thalassitis was found hanged.

His body was found in a park in Edmonton, North London, on Saturday, March 16, 2019.

The reality hunk, affectionately nicknamed Muggy Mike, had been mourning the death of his beloved nan at the age of 94 and there were rumours he had run up debts due to his party lifestyle.

Mike was also reported to be shellshocked by the death of a close friend on Christmas Eve.

Back in January, HOAR revealed ITV had advertised to hire a psychologist to provide “additional support” for cast and crew in the wake of a string of tragedies.

She said she thought that Mike had been ‘on the up’

 

The broadcaster was criticised for a lack of aftercare following the suicides of two Love Island stars and the death of a guest on The Jeremy Kyle Show.

ITV said: “The physical and mental health of everyone we work with is our highest priority.”

ITV had been criticised previously over a lack of aftercare from production staff after the conclusion of ‘Love Island’ – leaving inexperienced stars to fend for themselves.