Zara Holland has called for Love Island to be cancelled, describing the show as a “posh prison”.
Zara took part in Love Island in 2016 and this week spoke out against the show.
She gave an interview to the Daily Mail newspaper in the wake of ITV confirming it had axed The Jeremy Kyle Show following the suicide of a guest.
Zara asked why Love Island had not also been cancelled following the deaths of Mike Thalassitis, who died this year aged 26, and Sophie Gradon, who died aged 32 last year having appeared on the same series as Zara.
“How can they contradict themselves by taking one show off and not the other?” Zara said.
She accused the show of “screwing me up” and said: “You think you’re on a summer holiday and you might find love, but you are in a posh prison where you don’t know what time it is and a voice in a wall tells you what to do.
“I honestly believe I was brainwashed.”
Zara claimed that “the producers decide everything” and alleged: “Two producers lived in the basement throughout the show.
“They would say things like: ‘Right, Zara. We want you to focus on so-and-so.’ You trust them.”
However a spokesperson for ITV said in response to Zara’s claims: “The opinions the islanders have, decisions they make and the relationships formed are completely within the control of the islanders themselves.
“It is always our intention to produce a show that’s a fair and accurate representation of life inside the villa.”
They also said of the show’s support given to contestants: “Our duty of care is a continuous and ongoing process for each islander.
“After the show, every islander has a series of debrief meetings on location with the executive team and the medical team, including the psychological consultant.
“After this, they are told how to access aftercare support as well as information on seeking professional representation.”
The new series of Love Island will air on ITV2 in June.
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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