Love Island has paid tribute to ex-contestant Sophie Gradon on the one year anniversary of her death, saying she will be “missed but never forgotten”.
Gradon took her own life on June 20, 2018, two years after starring on the second series of the hit dating show.
The show’s official Instagram account posted a picture of Gradon on Thursdsy morning from her time in the villa alongside the words: “In loving memory of Sophie Gradon (1985 – 2018), missed but never forgotten.”
Malin Andersson, who found fame on Gradon’s series, also paid tribute and asked the late star to look after her friends and family “up there”. Andersson lost her daughter Consy on January 22 after she was born seven weeks premature. She lost her mother in 2017.
“RIP to the most beautiful soul and friend Sophie Gradon,” she tweeted. “Miss you so much. Please all look after each other up there.”
Gradon was discovered at her home in Ponteland, Northumberland, last June. An inquest earlier this year found that she hanged herself after taking a combination of alcohol and cocaine.
Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, 25, went on to hang himself at his home three weeks later, an inquest in North Shields, North Tyneside, was told in March.
Gradon’s death, and that of 2017 contestant Mike Thalassitis who took his own life in March, led to ITV revising its duty of care process after calls and a petition from viewers and ex islanders.
Contestants going forward will receive “enhanced psychological support” pre and post filming as well as eight therapy sessions on returning home.
Potential islanders are required to fully disclose any relevant medical history, they will undergo rigorous assessments and have access to a welfare team both during the show and after as well as a senior team who have Mental Health First Aid training.
They will receive “bespoke social media training” and advice on finance on returning home as well as eight therapy sessions and proactive contact for 14 months after the series has ended, with additional help provided where necessary.
Anyone affected by the issues in this report can contact Samaritans by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.
