Contestants on Love Island 2019 must pass new mental health checks and strict STI tests, it’s been reported.
Perhaps all not too surprisingly, potential Islanders must be given the green light by medics before entering the villa.
Those that make it through the medical tests will then have sessions with a mental health team, The Sun reports.
A source told the tabloid: “Bosses want stars to be safe mentally and physically. Their biggest nightmare would be someone contracting an STI, so potential contestants must have several rounds of medical tests.
“Advance sessions with counsellors and psychologists have been ramped up to ensure that everyone can handle the fame.
“They are prepared to cut potentially strong personalities from the line-up if there is any hint of mental instability.”
A spokesperson for ITV said: “Our duty of care is a continuous and ongoing process for each islander. This follows three key stages — pre-filming, filming and aftercare.”
The channel previously announced plans to offer more support for contestants after the tragic death of Mike Thalassitis, aged 26.
His passing followed the death of Sophie Gradon, who died aged 32 last year having appeared on the show in 2016.
Richard Cowles, boss of ITV Studios which makes Love Island, announced plans to increase support for those who take part in the show.
“When something so awful happens we naturally enter a period of soul searching and ask whether anything could have been done,” he wrote in a statement released in March of this year. “This review has led us to extend our support processes to offer therapy to all Islanders and not only those that reach out to us.
“And we will be delivering bespoke training to all future Islanders to include social media and financial management.
“The key focus will be for us to no longer be reliant on the Islanders asking us for support but for us to proactively check in with them on a regular basis.”
If you ever need help, Samaritans offer confidential advice and support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week over the phone on 116 123 or online
Love Island 2019 is expected to launch on ITV2 in June.
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