Love Island star Ellie Brown has said she is "in shock" after her grandad died from Covid aged 67.
The 23-year-old, who hails from Newcastle, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share the tragic news of her mum's dad's death.
She told fans on her Instagram stories that her grandad died after catching Covid, saying the virus is "scary and unexpected", the Mirror reports.
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Sharing her heartbreak with fans, she posted a photo of her cuddling him and penned: "Granda, you were only 67 and healthy. I am in so much shock. Covid is scary and unexpected. I am so sorry. Love you forever."
Ellie - who has been away skiing over the festive period - then reposted a post from her mum and wrote: "The most hurt for you mum, can’t even imagine losing one of my parents, never mind two and I hate that you’re feeling that right now. Everybody is way too young."
She also uploaded a selection of throwback images.
Last year, Ellie, who appeared on Love Island in 2019, blasted the series after a winter edition of the popular show aired claiming it is a 'money-making machine'.
"I do think it's too much and I think it's more mainly a money-making machine now," she told The Daily Star when asked on her opinion of the winter series in South Africa.
The former islander also said that she believes people apply to Love Island for fame and not love.
Ellie said: "I think because it's got so big, now when people go in there you question whether they're in there for the clout, but like with us, we're already in the public eye so it is genuinely just our real lives and relationships that you know about."
Ellie has gone on to become a social media influencer since her reality TV stint and previously admitted that she turned down the chance to join the cast of Geordie Shore.
During an exclusive chat with Mirror Online ahead of her Celebrity Ex On The Beach appearance, she said: "I got offered [Geordie Shore] but I said no, it's just not really me.
"I've not got anything against what they do but I'm not that kind of Geordie, I don't drink that much and I'm not a very good Geordie.
"And even on Love Island I was with my boyfriend but I wouldn't let him touch me in bed because my dad was watching so it's like the opposite of Geordie Shore."
Ellie fell in love with Charlie Brake when appearing on Love Island.
However, their relationship ended once they left the villa and she was then linked to Joey Essex and Michael Griffiths.
She recently shut down speculation she was getting cosy with footballer Jack Grealish after they were snapped at an event in Manchester together.
