Sophie Gradon's mother accuses ITV boss of 'trivialising' the 'Love Island' star's death

Sophie Gradon’s mother Deborah has hit out at ITV’s chief executive for ‘trivialising’ her daughter’s death.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4 last week, ITV boss Dame Carolyn McCall said it was “strange” to connect Sophie’s death to her appearance on Love Island.

Now, in an open letter published in The Sun, Deborah Gradon has furiously criticised the chief executive, claiming she was “abhorred” by her comments.

“You make the claim it’s ‘strange to link former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis’ suicides with the show Love Island. This theory, belief or ideology, is totally inappropriate,” she wrote.

Gradon explained that the common denominator in the deaths of her daughter and Thalassitis is the reality dating show.

Read more: Love Island leads tributes to Sophie Gradon one year after tragic death

“How dare you try to trivialise and belittle the deaths of our beloved children. To try and exercise some right of removal from the show, is principally evil.” she continued.

“In my opinion, this was seen as a vulnerability by your staff. Sophie exposed her defencelessness to you and you took total advantage. She could be manipulated, deployed and stage-managed to do almost anything at your behest.”

Read more: Caroline Flack: It's not fair to blame 'Love Island' for contestant deaths

Gradon went on to explain that he daughter made several attempts to leave the show, as she was desperately unhappy. She said it was only after her fourth request that the production team finally allowed her to leave.

“By this time Sophie’s anxiety was exacerbated to an unprecedented level,” she added.

“It is an unspeakable loss. I feel the agony and all its attended miseries every day and I will continue to do so for the rest of my life.

“In my beautiful darling daughter’s own words: “I sold my soul to ITV”.

“As a Mother yourself, I hope your hypocrisy and haughtily placed remarks sit well with your conscience.”