Love Island has insisted it takes caring for its contestants “very seriously” following the death of Mike Thalassitis.
Tragically, it was revealed on Saturday that Mike had died, aged 26.
His passing followed the death of Sophie Gradon, who died aged 32 last year having appeared on the show in 2016.
Following the tragic losses, some former Islanders hit out at the show for ‘not offering enough support’ once the series is over.
“Care for our Islanders is a process the show takes very seriously and is a continuous process for all those taking part in the show,” ITV said in a statement to the Daily Mail newspaper.
They explained: “We ensure that all of our Contributors are able to access psychological support before, during and after appearing on the show. The programme will always provide ongoing support when needed and where appropriate.
“We also discuss at length with all of our Islanders, before and after the show, how their lives might change and they have access to support and advice to help with this.”
They added: “Everyone at ITV2 and Love Island are shocked and saddened by the terrible news about Mike. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.”
Former contestant Malin Andersson was one of those to take to Twitter in the wake of Mike’s death to call for action.
“WAKE UP @LoveIsland !!!! I got flowers from the producers when my daughter died. No f**king phone call. No support, or help. Enough is enough,” she wrote. “Nothing when my mum died. Nothing when Sophie died. Change needs to happen.
“If I didn’t have a strong head on me that my mum passed down to me, I wouldn’t have been able to cope with this all. But not everyone is like this.”
Dom Lever, who was with Mike on Love Island in 2017, added: “You get a psychological evaluation before and after you go on the show but hands down once you are done on the show you don’t get any support unless you’re number one.”
And Jess Shears, who was also on the show the same year as Mike, posted: “Shows offer you ‘support’ but realistically it’s only while you are in their care. Minute you get home & are no longer making them money it’s out of sight out of mind.
“There should be ongoing support & also financial advice. Life after these shows isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
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
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