Tributes are pouring in for Love Island’s Mike Thalassitis who has died aged 26.
According to reports, his body was found in a forest near his home in Essex.
Celebrity Big Brother host and Mike’s Love Island co-stars led the tributes to the late semi-professional footballer.
Rylan said: ‘Jesus that’s such news about Mike. RIP’
Mike’s Love Island co-star tweeted: ‘I am in utter shock. @MikeThalassitis you were one of the most genuine guy! I just can’t believe this! You’ll be missed so much you have no idea’.
Zara Holland led messages of condolence, posting: ‘This is so so sad, thoughts are with Mikes friends and family.’
And Chris Hughes took a moment to defend him over his ‘muggy’ nickname.
‘His name wasn’t Muggy Mike. Please stop brandishing that,’ he tweeted. ‘His name was Mike Thalassitis, and every inch of my heart goes out to his family & friends.
‘A good guy, taken far, far to soon.’
And Dr. Alex George said: ‘Devastated to hear of the passing of Mike Thalassitis. My heart goes out to friends and family.’
His former club, Chelmsford City FC, added: ‘The Club are saddened to hear the news of the passing of former #Clarets striker Mike Thalassitis.
Semi-pro footballer Mike came to fame back in 2017, after appearing on season three of Love Island, alongside Chris Hughes, Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies.
‘Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends at this time. #ClaretTogether (sic).’
Dancing On Ice presenter and Mike’s Love Island co-star Kem Cetinay also took to social media to share his heartbreak.
He said: ‘Such heartbreaking news. My thoughts go out to all of Mikes friends and family’.
Marcel Somerville shared: ‘Absolutely Devastated!!! 💔 I was only chatting to you last week bro!!! I don’t wanna believe this!!! One of the real ones!!! You’ll be missed bro! Never be forgotten!!!! RIP’
Mike’s last Instagram post came just days before his death, as he shared a gym selfie to launch a competition, in a bid to pay a fan’s rent.
While his last tweet focused on raising awareness for climate change.
More to come.
MORE: Mike Thalassitis launches competition to help pay winner’s rent in last Instagram before death