Love Island star Sophie Gradon has died at the age of 32, it has been confirmed.
The 32-year-old from Newcastle was crowned Miss Great Britain in 2009. was on the reality show on ITV2 in 2016.
The boyfriend of the former Mis Newcastle, Aaron Armstrong, and her family have confirmed via Sophie’s personal Facebook account that she has passed away. it is not yet known how she died.
In the post, as reported in the Mirror , Mr Armstrong wrote: “I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always”.
Sophie’s ex-boyfreind, Ashley Lenco, from Beverley, has also paid tribute on his Facebook page. He posted: “I just genuinely can’t believe it, Iv never felt so strongly for someone else in my life apart from family we was intense and close and madly in love but if people can stop asking me.
“I only wanna speak to people who care about me and who cared about her. RIP.”
Police were called to her home yesterday evening. A Northumbria Police spokesman 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.”
She made history on Love Island as one half of the show’s first same-sex couple after she coupled up with Katie Salmon. Before that, she’d been coupled up with barman Tom Powell.
Geordie Shore’s Holly Hagan paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “you were only helping me battle the twitter trolls yesterday rest in peace beautiful”
The show’s Nathan Henry also reacted to the shocking news of her death.
He wrote on Twitter: “rest in peace you beautiful little angel, the heavens are blessed with a beautiful smile R.I.P xxx”
The official Miss Great Britain Twitter account also paid tribute, saying: “Shocked beyond belief!!! RIP @sophiegradon sending all our love to Sophie’s family at this incredibly sad time xx”
Hayley Hughes, who was in the villa this year, tweeted: “In lost of words right now! RIP @sophiegradon such an amazing and beautiful girl”
Amber Davies, from last year’s show, said: “I am in absolutely in shock! @sophiegradon what a beautiful woman you were. RIP ”
Just yesterday, Sophie posted on Instagram about an underwear brand she loved.
Posting up in a black bra and pink knickers, she wrote: “@sneakyvaunt have just released all of these beautiful new bralettes and underwear. Seriously unlike anything I’ve ever seen on Insta. You need to check them out. I couldn’t get over how comfy and soft they are #heaven. Def go check them out at sneakyvaunt.com!”
