Love Island legend heartbroken as his dad dies saying ‘I keep praying this is a bad dream’
The star's dad supported him in the Love Island villa in 2022
DAMI Hope has been left heartbroken following the sudden death of his dad.
The Love Island star shared the sad news today, telling fans he was “in pain” as he struggled to come to terms with the news of Babajide’s passing.
Dami, 26, who is dating Indiyah Polack who he met on the show, shared: “There’s pain in my heart as I write this.
“Took me a while to actually say it out loud to the point at times I didn’t even know what to say. Nothing feels real, I keep praying I’m just in a fever dream and everything will be as it once was when I wake up.
“But I keep waking up to the same painful reality. I’ve lost my father. He’s no longer here anymore and it kills me inside. I would have done anything to have been able to keep him here!”
He went on to tell his fans what his father was like and how much he had inspired him.
Dami added: “Even in death, I will still look up to you. I’m happy I was by your side till the bitter end, I hope every word I spoke to you reached you.
“I love you dad and even though I’m my mom’s twin I’m most definitely my father’s son.”
Babajide was a council worker and was fully supportive of his on Love Island.
He leaves behind wife Bukola and six children, including Dami.
Dami’s famous friends rushed to support him, with Toby Armomolaran writing: “Thoughts are with you bro.”
George Fensom added: “Sorry to hear this Dami.”
And Danica Taylor: “So sorry to hear this dami sending love and strength.”
Dami's statement in full on his dad's death
“There’s pain in my heart as I write this.
“Took me a while to actually say it out loud to the point at times I didn’t even know what to say. Nothing feels real, I keep praying I’m just in a fever dream and everything will be as it once was when I wake up.
“But I keep waking up to the same painful reality. I’ve lost my father. He’s no longer here anymore and it kills me inside. I would have done anything to have been able to keep him here!”
My dad was really HIM. Paved the way for all of us, my siblings and I. He’s taught me countless things that stand testament in my character today.
“The first person that taught me how to be selfless unconditionally and unwaveringly. I learned how to laugh because of him. He really was the first person to ever make laugh on this green earth, memories that bear so much weight at my core.
“Man I’m in pain, people don’t tell you about the trauma death brings, you steel yourself but ultimately you still break down over and over again and tbh so be it. Memories with people really ought to be cherished more, especially with loved ones.
“I want to honour him with my tears, my pain, my laughter, and my joy because these are things that are deserving of the pillar he was in our lives. I pray that Gods calling for you, was to show you even greener pastures unimaginable here on earth. I pray you’re at peace knowing I will do everything in my power to uplift your name.
“I pray I live a life deserving of your respect and one you could be proud of. I pray you know no more sorrow or suffering and only joy. I will miss you every day for the rest of my life dad. Thank you for always being someone to look up to.
“Even in death, I will still look up to you. I’m happy I was by your side till the bitter end, I hope every word I spoke to you reached you. I love you dad and even though I’m my mom’s twin I’m most definitely my father’s son.”