Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Star deaths spark reality TV review
LOV E I s l a n d w i l l of fe r “bespoke training” to all future contestants following the deaths of two former stars.
Sophie Gradon, 32, who appeared on season two of the reality show in 2016, was found dead in June last year while 26-year-old Mike Thalassitis, who took part in Love Island a year later, died on Friday.
Following their deaths, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said reality TV shows have a duty to care for contestants after they become famous.
Love Island has said it under-took a review six months ago to evaluate the aftercare it was providing. The show said it will now offer support to all Love Island contestants.
The care will focus on helping contestants with social media and financial management after achieving overnight fame on Love Island, which has become a phenomenon attracting millions of voters each season.
A statement from the show said: “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.”
Following the death of Thalassitis, former Love Island contestants criticised the level of care they had received since leaving the show.
Most who take part go from anonymity to intense public scrutiny overnight, often amassing millions of social media followers.
Megan Barton Hanson, who appeared on Love Island last year, said she found it difficult to cope after being “cast as a pantomime villain” following her on-screen relationship with Wes Nelson.
Jonny Mitchell, who starred in the 2017 series alongside Thalassitis, said many people struggle to return to normal life after appearing on the dating programme.
See also Martel Maxwell on page 11.