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.
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
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, The Sun revealed ITV had advertised to hire a psychologist to provide “additional support” for cast and crew in the wake of a string of tragedies.
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.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans (free) on 116123 or 020 7734 2800.
