Love Island star Sophie Gradon’s TV pal Jasmine Lennard blasts ITV for ‘failing her’ as she ‘became depressed’ over fading fame
JASMINE Lennard has claimed she tried desperately to help tragic Love Island star Sophie Gradon in her final months.
The Celebrity Big Brother star has revealed that she is plagued by feelings that she could have done more for her friend who died earlier this week.
But she has blasted ITV for 'failing' the former Miss GB as she became depressed because her fame was fading.
“I did everything I could to help her," she said adding: “I booked her a ticket to LA a couple of months ago.
“I just wanted to get her away from everything for a minute and help her get well.”
Jasmine also told the : "I’m well aware of the demons she was battling, but I can’t help but feel angry at them when it’s something she spoke about so often, something she pointed at as the catalyst for feeling as low as she did."
She added: “She was just in the grip of depression and lost perspective. It’s a heartbreaking outcome.”
Jasmine says it can be hard to cope after finding fame on reality TV.
She told the : "It's a high doing them, then suddenly it's over. You feel low. Compare yourself to fellow contestants' achievements etc."
It comes after Sophie's heartbroken boyfriend shared an emotional tribute to the tragic Love Island star - saying "she was the girl of my dreams".
Aaron Armstrong wrote on Instagram: "To think I will never see your beautiful smile again haunts me you are the girl of my dreams we spoke of having kids and spending the rest of our lives together.
"I'm so devastated that we will never get that chance to grow old together and raise a family I love you will all my heart Sophie u will always be in my heart you are my angel and I know that you will be by my side everyday."
Friends of Sophie said she believed Aaron was "the one" and thought they would marry.
Aaron posted a photo of Sophie with him on Facebook two days ago and wrote: “I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always.”
The former Miss GB was said to be in "good spirits" in the hours before her suspected suicide.
The 32-year-old gave no impression of being unwell when she arrived to stay at her parents' home - which she had promised to house-sit while they were on holiday.
A close family friend said: "She was house-sitting for her family who had gone away on holiday.
"She had seemed in good spirits, and had offered to come over to Medburn to stay in the house while they were away.
"They had seen no cause for concern." The close friend said Sophie's death had left her family reeling.
They said: "Her parents are understandably devastated.
"Sophie had wanted to settle down and was growing sick of the party lifestyle."
Tragically, it was devastated boyfriend Aaron Armstrong who found Sophie's body at the home near Newcastle on Wednesday afternoon.
Friends today revealed the former Miss GB had been acting as normal in the lead up to her death, even making plans for later this week.
Speaking to the Sun Online friend Michelle Thompson said Sophie had been speaking on Tuesday afternoon.
She said: "She was chatting about how they needed to arrange a date to catch up.
“She was happy. She came in with Aaron and they were smitten with each other.
“It was the happiest I had seen Sophie in such a long time.”
She said Sophie had tried to confront online trolls before her death, saying: "She cared too much, I think that's why the trolls got to her. "They were so terrible so cruel constantly pushing even into the final days."
Other pals said Sophie had hidden her battles with anxiety, not giving any clues as to her internal struggles.
One friend 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.
“However a good friend died and it affected her very badly.
“She struggled to cope with it and fell into a dark place.”
Privately educated Sophie last week attended the funeral of close friend Paul Burns — a bar owner known as Mr Newcastle — who had a heart attack at 37.
The former beauty queen, who starred in the 2016 series, appeared to have overcome a previous bout of depression.
Writing on Twitter, the reality star wrote: "Thinking back to when I became a total recluse, afraid to go out anywhere because of crippling anxiety & how different my life is now!!!
"Facing up to your fears is sometimes the hardest but most rewarding thing!!!"
She had previously spoken about her struggles with anxiety and the toll online trolls took on her.
Speaking to just three months ago, Sophie revealed how difficult it was to see people write hurtful comments
The 32-year-old said: "It was very hard to deal with because you take it like you’re being judged. It can really get into your mind and really affect you.
"The harsh reality is, it can end up with that person taking their own life. And as you’ve seen in the media, that is what happens. Can you imagine being responsible for that?"
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Police said her death is not being treated as suspicious.
Northumbria Police said: “There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A report will now be prepared for the coroner.”
Love Island tweeted: “The 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.”
- IF you are having suicidal thoughts, suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to talk, call The Samaritans on 116 123.