Mike Thalassitis: The star of Love Island dies at the age of 26

Former Love Island star Mike Thalbaditis, who died at age 26, confirmed his leadership.

The former footballer and reality TV star would have been found dead on Friday.

He found fame on the 2017 ITV show series.

Several stars of reality TV have published tributes to Thalbaditis. Ferne McCann, the star of Esbad, wrote: "If so, so sad, Mike, you are an absolute man, I do not have words."

She added, "My heart, my soul and my love go to her friends and family … Too young." RIP.

Jonny Mitchell, who became friends with Thalbaditis after appearing on Love Island with him, said in a message on Instagram that he was "broken by the news".

He said, "I really can not believe what I see here.

"My boy from the villa and one of my best friends from the show just released.An absolute hero, a legend and a person I've personally appreciated, always full of so much positivity and charisma .

"One of the best people I know who has been taken far too early, I have a broken heart and I can not say how much I will miss, brother!"

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

Fenton tweeted, "I'm lost to words, my heart breaks for your MikeThalbaditis RIP family."

And Bowen wrote, "I do not get to understand this RIP brother."

Thalbaditis was born in Edmonton, London, and played football for clubs such as St Albans and Chelmsford.

He also appeared on the celebrity TV show Celebs Go Dating in 2018. He broke up with star Megan McKenna of The Only Way Is Esbad at the end of last year.

Stevenage FC, for whom Thalbaditis began his career in football, paid tribute to his former player.

"Everyone at StevenageFC is shocked and saddened by the tragic announcement of former player Michael Thalbaditis," tweeted the club.

"Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends."