ITV Love Island star Dami Hope 'in pain' as he announces death of his beloved dad

By Zoe Delaney

Dami Hope has announced the death of his beloved father and explained how his parent's passing has left him in an incredible amount of pain.

The Love Island star, who is dating MOBO Awards host Indiyah Polack, took to Instagram today (27th February) to share the heartbreaking news with his fans. Dami was flooded with support from friends and fellow reality TV stars as he accompanied his devastating statement with a collection of pictures of his late father.

Dami began his heartbreaking post by writing: "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."

The 26-year-old, who found love with Indiyah during the 2022 summer series Love Island, continued: "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!"

Dami went on to recall how great his dad was and how much he wants to make him proud, penning: "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," Dami added, sharing his love and sadness.

Dami's celebrity friends were quick to send their love in the comments. Ella Thomas from Love Island said, "So sorry for your lost Dami, praying for you and your family," and All Stars' Toby Aromolaran added, "Thoughts are with you bro." Andrew Le Page, who was also on season eight of Love Island alongside Dami, wrote, "So sorry to hear this mate! Thoughts and love to you and the family. He'd be very proud of you."

The full statement from Dami shared with his Instagram followers reads: "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."

Dami concluded by writing: "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. Here’s to celebrating your life dad."

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