Reality TV has a duty to its contestants, says minister

REALITY TV shows which make contestants ‘famous overnight’ have a duty of care to look after their subsequent well-being, the Health Secretary said.

Matt Hancock said he had been ‘really moved’ by the news of the apparent suicide of former Love Island star Mike Thalassitis.

Mr Thalassitis, 26, was found dead in a north London park on Saturday morning.

Mr Hancock said at The Spectator Health Summit in central London that producers must take responsibility for the wellbeing of contestants both during and after filming.

He said: ‘I am very worried about the support for the men- tal health of contestants on reality TV shows. The sudden exposure to massive fame… can have significant impacts on people and I think it is a duty on any organisation that is putting people in the position of making them famous overnight, that they should also look after them afterwards.’

Mr Thalassitis appeared on the 2017 series of Love Island. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Jonny Mitchell, who also starred in the 2017 series, told BBC Radio 5 Live that many people struggle to return to normal life after appearing on the dating programme.

A statement from Love Island said it took the care of the islanders ‘very seriously’, adding: ‘We ensure that all of our contributors are able to access psychological support before, during and after appearing on the show.’