The funeral has been held for the late Sophie Gradon, a former contestant on reality show Love Island. Gradon, who appeared on the 2016 version of Love Island, tragically passed away in June, with her fellow ex-contestants criticising the show’s aftercare. Her boyfriend, Aaron Armstrong, confirmed on Thursday that the funeral had been held for the reality star, posting a photo of a booklet for the service on social media. Writing on Instagram, he said: “I love you with all my heart my beautiful angel I’m absolutely heartbroken I can’t stop crying and I can feel your spirit in my soul. He added: “RIP Sophie Hannah Gradon.” Although the cause of Gradon’s passing has not been officially confirmed, police have said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. Gradon had previously spoken out about her battles with anxiety and depression. During her time on Love Island, Gradon was open about her history of dating women on the show, which is typically very heterosexual. In one episode, Gradon opened up about her sexuality, telling fellow islander Zara Holland: “I’ll tell you a secret now, I dated a lesbian for about six months, and another lesbian for about five or six months.” She was also the first person to form a same-sex couple with fellow islander Katie Salmon. Since Gradon’s death, tributes have poured in for the reality star. Gradon’s ex-girlfriend Natalie Phillips, who she dated for eight months before the show, posted an emotional message on Instagram saying: “I loved you with all my heart.” Salmon paid tribute to the late star after her shock death at age 32, saying that the world had “failed” her. In a lengthy post on Twitter, Salmon wrote: “I urge everyone to be kind to every person they meet and speak with on social media and in person a simple smile, a simple nice comment can make a difference.” She added: “You really don’t know the battles they go through every single day. “The world has failed you beautiful.” Fly high beautiful so high! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JPrqQgkPqC — Katie Salmon (@katiesalmon24) 21 June 2018 As well as her appearance on Love Island Gradon had an established career in beauty pageants and was crowned Miss Great Britain in 2009. The organisers of the Miss Great Britain pageant paid tribute to the 32-year-old on Twitter, writing: “Shocked beyond belief! RIP Sophie Gradon, sending all our love to Sophie’s family at this incredibly sad time.” If you are having suicidal thoughts, suffering from anxiety or depression, or just want to talk, call The Samaritans on 116 123.<doc-sep>The funeral of former ‘Love Island’ contestant Sophie Gradon has now taken place. On Thursday, the series two contestant was laid to rest after a private ceremony in Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. A post shared by Aaron Armstrong (@aarona619) on Jul 5, 2018 at 7:33am PDT Her boyfriend, Aaron Armstrong, shared an image of the order of service from the ceremony on Instagram, as he paid heartbreaking tribute. “I love you with all my heart my beautiful angel I’m absolutely heartbroken,” he wrote. “I can’t stop crying and I can feel your spirit in my soul. RIP Sophie Hannah Gradon.” Sophie’s friend, TV presenter Matt Johnson, posted a similar image, writing: “We just said goodbye to Sophie & my heart is broken for her family. My heart is broken for anyone that suffers. Things must change.” A post shared by Matt Johnson (@mattjohnsons) on Jul 5, 2018 at 9:32am PDT<doc-sep>Love Island star Sophie Gradon laid to rest as friends and loved ones pay tribute TV presenter Matt Johnson shared a moving tribute to his friend after the service Love Island star Sophie Gradon was laid to rest on Thursday, two weeks after her shock death at the age of 32. TV presenter Matt Johnson was among the guests to attend the service, and he later shared a heartfelt post on Instagram in tribute to his late friend. Sharing a glimpse at the funeral booklet on his Instagram page, Matt wrote: “We just said goodbye to Sophie & my heart is broken for her family. My heart breaks for anyone that suffers. Things must change.” Sophie Gradon's funeral took place on Thursday The booklet featured a black-and-white photo of Sophie and revealed it was a service of “celebration and thanksgiving” for the model, who died on 20 June. The news of Sophie’s death was revealed the following day, when her boyfriend shared an emotional post on Facebook. STORY: Love Island star Sophie Gradon dies aged 32 A Northumbria Police spokesperson told HELLO! : "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." Sophie appeared on Love Island in 2016 Soon after the news broke, Matt revealed his shock at Sophie’s death, and admitted he had only spoken to her a couple of days earlier. “I’m heartbroken. My friend Sophie has gone too soon. We only spoke two nights ago and that will haunt me forever,” he wrote. “Rest well you funny, smart, beautiful soul.” Several past Love Island contestants also paid tribute to Sophie, who took part in series 2 of the hit ITV show. Co-star Olivia Buckland wrote on Twitter: "Awful awful news this morning. I am gutted. I am so sorry the world failed you. You were such an intricate, creative, intelligent soul. Words fail me." Amber Davis wrote: "I am in absolutely in shock! @sophiegradon what a beautiful woman you were. RIP" Fellow Islander Cara de la Hoyde posted: "Such a awful day my heart is broken & goes out to the very one effected".<doc-sep>
LOVE Island's Sophie Gradon has been laid to rest at a funeral in her hometown of Newcastle. The tragic reality star was remembered at a memorial service as her heartbroken boyfriend paid tribute to his "beautiful angel". 5 Sophie Gradon has been remembered at her funeral Credit: Instagram Aaron shared a picture of the order of service on his Instagram page and added a tribute to Sophie, who died last month aged just 32. He wrote: "I love you with all my heart my beautiful angel... "I’m absolutely heartbroken I can’t stop crying and I can feel your spirit in my soul... "RIP Sophie Hannah Gradon." 5 Sophie's boyfriend Aaron Armstrong paid tribute to her on Instagram Credit: Instagram 5 The reality star had previously spoken about her battle with depression Credit: Enterprise News and Pictures The 32-year-old reality star was found dead last month at her parents’ house near Newcastle in a suspected suicide. The former Miss GB was said to have been in "good spirits" in the hours before she was found dead by her devastated boyfriend Aaron. Her parents Colin and Deborah Gradon later opened up about their daughter's death following her difficult battle with depression. 5 The Love Island star died last month aged 32 Credit: Rex Features 5 Her boyfriend is mourning the loss of the reality TV star Credit: Instagram Most Read In TV & Showbiz KIM'S NEW KRUSH The men lining up to be Kim K's next partner as Kanye ‘dates Irina Shayk’ JOSS PERFECT Jac Jossa shows off her tiny waist after weight loss in pretty summer dresses 'WE'LL SEE' Louise Redknapp revealed Jamie wanted another baby when she was on Strictly GRANDE AFFAIR Ariana dazzles in white gown as she shares private pics from secret wedding a wright treat! Mark Wright gives fans tour of new £2,400 a night home with Michelle Keegan Exclusive ARG-AIN James ‘Arg’ Argent's set to reunite with 'love of his life' ex Lydia Bright In a statement, they said: "It has been one week since we lost our precious daughter and we as a family are still coming to terms with our sudden loss. "Our hearts are broken. We wish to say our goodbyes to Sophie in private so we ask that you respect our family's privacy during this arduous time." The 2016 Love Island star was remembered on this series of the show with a special tribute that was featured on the night after she died. Sophie Gradon dead – Love Island star dies aged 32 as boyfriend posts emotional tribute Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.