Former Love Island star Mike Thalassitis dies aged 26

Former Love Island contestant Mike Thalassitis has died aged 26, his management has confirmed.

He found fame on the 2017 series of the show and was a semi-professional footballer.

Thalassitis, a Cypriot, was born in Edmonton in London and played for clubs including St Albans and Chelmsford.

Several reality TV personalities have posted tributes to the 26-year-old after news of his death was reported.

The Only Way Is Essex star Ferne McCann posted that he was "an absolute gent."

Love Island host Caroline Flack echoed McCann's message on Instagram.

She said: "Mike... you were a total gentleman... I won't forget that ... it's so sad ...you will be missed. RIP."

Alex Bowen and Rachel Fenton, who both also appeared on Love Island, tweeted their respects.

Jonny Mitchell appeared on Love Island with Thalassitis, and the pair remained friends.

In a post to Instagram, Mitchell said he was “heartbroken” by news of Thalassitis' death, hailing his “positivity and charisma”.

He said: “I genuinely can't believe what I'm seeing here.

”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!”

Stevenage FC, for whom Thalassitis began his football career, tweeted their condolences.