Former TOWIE star Megan McKenna has paid tribute to Love Island's Mike Thalassitis, following the news of his passing over the weekend.
Megan and Mike dated for a time last year before they split amicably, with Megan later explaining that their break-up wasn't "bitter and nasty" and simply came down to the fact that they had both reached a different point in their lives.
Today (March 18), Megan has shared her response to Mike's death on her Instagram page, explaining that she's "trying to come to terms" with what's happened.
"Sorry I haven't been on social media but I'm in complete shock and trying to come to terms with this," she wrote. "I can't believe I'm even writing this post. My thoughts and prayers are with Mikes family. Rest in peace Mike x."
Several of Mike's friends and co-stars have publicly shared tributes to the star, with Chris Hughes, who appeared on Love Island with Mike in 2017, saying: "Every inch of my heart goes out to his family & friends. A good guy, taken far, far to soon."
Jonny Mitchell, who grew close with Mike on the dating show, said he was "heartbroken" by the news.
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"I genuinely can’t believe what I’m seeing here," he wrote. "My boy from the villa and one of my best mates from the show coming out. An absolute hero and a legend and someone I personally looked up to, always full of so much positivity and charisma...
"One of the best people I’ve ever known taken from us far too soon, I’m heartbroken and can’t put into words how much I’m gonna miss you bro!"
Elsewhere, Made in Chelsea's Sam Thompson – who starred alongside Mike in Celebs Go Dating – has shared a touching tribute to Mike, describing him as "one of the most polite gentlemen" he had ever met.
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
