When the news emerged yesterday that former Love Island contestant Sophie Gradon had sadly died, her fellow contestants began paying tribute to her on social media.
Messages of condolence poured in and now Sophie's ex-partner, Tom Powell, has taken to Instagram to say that the world will 'truly be a different place' without Sophie in it.
The Welsh fitness model posted a picture on social media last night with the caption: "Today has been one which we will never forget.. The world will truly be a different place without you.
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"Your life inspired so many women to be who they really are and people everywhere to be open about the anxiety/depression and that it was nothing to be ashamed of. You truly changed the lives of so many. I am proud to of had you in my life."
Tom met Sophie in the Love Island villa during the second series in 2016. The pair separated following the show but Tom told OK! Online: "I'm not really sure what to say to be totally honest with you. I'm still in total shock.
"I just didn't expect this - I spoke to her a few weeks ago and she seemed as happy as Larry, she seemed the happiest I'd seen her in a while if I'm being totally honest with you. I'm totally devastated."
In the past Sophie has been openly honest about her battle with anxiety and depression, even speaking to fans on social media regarding her struggles.
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Speaking about his former girlfriend's battle, Tom added: "After Love Island, me and her were together and basically lived together for two months. So I saw when she had anxiety attacks, and when she was down and had depression.
"I've been through it all with her, because I know she used to take medication for depression and anxiety quite often. But it would never get this far to be honest.
"She would be low now and again and she would need some 'me time' to take herself away from social media and the outside world, and she would cut everyone off for two or three days and recuperate and find herself again.
"But she always pulled through it. Nobody expected it to be any other way."
Tom added that Sophie had been incredibly happy in her new relationship with Aaron Armstrong. He broke the news on social media yesterday when he posted on Facebook: "I will never forget that smile. I love you so so much baby, you're my world forever and always."
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A statement issued by Northumbria police said Sophie was found in her home at 8.27pm on Wednesday.
The statement read: "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."
'U OK M8?' is an initiative from LADbible in partnership with a range of mental health charities which features a series of films and stories to raise awareness of mental health.
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Explore more here and don't suffer in silence. Reach out. It's the brave thing to do.
MIND: 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans: 116 123.
CALM: Outside London 0808 802 5858, inside London 0800 58 58 58.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/iamthomaspowell/sophiegradonTopics: Death, TV and Film, News, Love Island, ITV