Thousands who wrote on tribute websites following her death were certain she had gone to an afterlife.

But instead of the traditional view of a soul going to heaven, they thought reality TV star Jade, 27, had become an angel, circling Earth to watch over loved ones.

Prof Tony Walter, of the University of Bath, spent two years studying reactions to the mum of two's death from cervical cancer in 2009.

The sociologist says millions who claim to be non-religious may actually have Christian beliefs.

Prof Walter said: "Hope of the deceased being with angels may have a resonance for many.
"Souls are stuck in heaven. Angels have the advantage of caring for those left behind."

Adapted from an original article in The Sun

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