Love Island’s Mike Thalassitis died just days after death of beloved nan who he’d moved in with to care for

MIKE Thalassitis died just days after the death of his beloved nan who he had moved in with to become her full-time carer.

The 26-year-old was found dead in woodland near his home in Essex yesterday.

The Sun's Dan Wootton revealed he was left grief-stricken in recent days.

"Devastated to hear of the passing of Mike Thalassitis," Dan wrote on Twitter.

";He was a good man and this is an atrocious waste of a young life.

"I spoke to Mike (who loved that I would still call him Muggy) on Thursday.

"He was grieving the loss of his nan.

"She was 94 and he had moved in to live with her because she needed a full-time carer. He assured me he was fine and was excited about the launch of his shop.

"There was so much in store for his future that this is truly senseless.

"Mike wasn’t the lad you saw on Love Island. He was tender and sensitive and vulnerable and desperate for true love. Rest in peace, mate. I will miss you."

Mike started out as a semi-pro footballer before finding fame on the 2017 series of Love Island.

He earned the nickname "Muggy Mike" from islander Chris Hughes after stealing the heart of Olivia Atwood on the show.

But he was loved and respected by his co-stars who have today paid tribute to him.

Chris said: "Every inch of my heart goes out to his family & friends. A good guy, taken far, far to soon."

Fellow Love Islander Dom Lever wrote: “I’m shocked at the news!! me and Mike Thalassitis may not have seen eye to eye but he was a top guy.”

Ex-girlfriend Tyla Carr, who met Mike on Love Island, said she was "shocked" by the news.

Tyla tweeted: "I can't believe the call I've just had. Mike, you were loved by all of the Love island family. You'll be missed so much. All my love goes out to your friends and family. Shocked."

His latest ex girlfriend Megan McKenna has yet to speak publicly about Mike's death.

Mike's death is Love Island's second tragedy after the passing of Sophie Gradon, who starred on the 2016 season, last year.

Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.