Lessons learned from tragic Mike
Following the suicide of Love Island star Mike Thalassitis, The Only Way Is Essex bosses have called in a psychiatrist, who is on call 24/7.
Tragic Mike took his own life aged 26 earlier this month.
And TOWIE’s Sam Mucklow has revealed mental health experts are on high alert following Mike’s untimely death.
He says: “TOWIE’s producers are really conscious to make sure we are looked after and all OK.
“We all have the psychologist’s number. He has told all the cast to WhatsApp, call or text him at any time day or night. I’ve not needed to yet but all the cast know he is available 24/7 for them.”
Last year, former Love Island star Sophie Gradon died suddenly in a suspected suicide. And 25-year-old BGT contestant Jack Saunders also took his own life a day after Mike was found.
Since then, Health Minister Matt Hancock has called for more support for reality stars.
I caught up with the TOWIE cast at posh Essex hangout Sheesh, where they launched the new ITVBe series, which airs Sunday at 9pm.
And a sombre Liam ‘Gatsby’ Blackwell admits he has been left devastated by the passing of his pal Mike. He says: “He was actually a friend of mine. I last messaged him on his birthday and we were arranging to go out.
“But he did say he wanted to chill from the party life for a bit. He did say it was getting a bit much for him and he didn’t want to go out drinking. It is a sore subject for me.
“It has been playing on my mind since he passed away. It hasn’t sunk in yet. It is really horrible and it has been upsetting for me. SAD Liam “He was a lovely boy and it is horrible that it had to come to that.”
He says there were rumours Mike was set to join TOWIE and reflects: “He might have been here now.”