Former Love Island star Sophie Gradon reportedly struggled with financial troubles, a friend of the reality TV star has said.
The Newcastle model, who appeared on the second series of the show back in 2016, is believed to have passed away on Wednesday night. She was 32 years old.
A pal of Sophies has come forward and said they thought she was in a good place.
They told The Sun: We all thought Sophie was the happiest she had ever been.
She had suffered from depression and anxiety and there was talk of financial issues which obviously adds to the worry she was enduring.
Her friends thought she was in a great place as she was madly in love with her boyfriend and life was good.
No cause of death or an official statement from her family regarding her death has been released, but Miss Great Britain and Sophies boyfriend confirmed the sad news.
Having participated in the Miss Great Britain competition in her youth, winning in 2009, the team behind the pageant released the following statement: Shocked beyond belief!!! RIP @sophiegradon sending all our love to Sophies family at this incredibly sad time.
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Aaron Armstrong, Sophies boyfriend, appeared to confirm the news on his Facebook page and wrote: I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always.
Ashley Ienco, who also dated the star, also penned his tribute, and wrote: I just genuinely cant believe it, Ive 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 [sic].
ITV released the following statement: The whole ITV2 and Love Island team are profoundly saddened to hear the news about Sophie, and our deepest sympathies and thoughts go to her family and friends.
Those close to the Love Island star have poured their hearts out in tribute to her after news of her tragic and untimely death broke. A friend of the family told Metro.co.uk: Sophie was loved by all in the north east who knew her and her death leaves a massive void.
More: Showbiz
As beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside, she was one of lifes naturally funny people who wouldnt harm a soul and had the biggest heart.
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Her co-stars from the second series of the hit reality show Olivia Buckland and Katie Salmon were among the first to pay tribute to the former beauty queen, while the shows presenter Caroline Flack also posted a moving statement.
No further information has been released and Metro.co.uk has contacted Sophies representation for comment and confirmation.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: At about 8.27pm yesterday (June 20) police attended a property in Medburn, Ponteland, where sadly a 32-year-old woman was found deceased.
Love Island paid tribute to Sophie at the beginning of Wednesday nights episode, showing a picture of the former islander and the words: In loving memory of Sophie Gradon.
MORE: Love Island star Sophie Gradons past relationships are a testament to her zest for life
MORE: Heartbreaking moment Sophie Gradon discusses how much damage online abuse from trolls can do
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