The tragic death of Mike Thalassitis this weekend was confirmed as suicide by police yesterday.
This is the second case of a former Love Island contestant taking their own life after appearing on the ITV2 dating show.
Read more: Police confirm cause of death of Love Island’s Mike Thalassitis
Following news of Mike’s passing at the age of 26, many reality TV celebrities spoke of their concerns for the mental health of their peers.
Dom Lever, who appeared on Love Island the same year as Mike, 2017, wrote on Twitter: “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.”
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
— Dom Lever (@_DomLever) 16 March 2019
Dom’s wife Jess Shears, who appeared on the same run of the show, posted: “Shows offer you ‘support’ but realistically it’s only while you are in their care.
“Minute you get home and are no longer making them money it’s out of sight out of mind.
“There should be ongoing support and also financial advice. Life after these shows isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
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 finacial advice. Life after these shows isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
— Jessica (@Jessica_Rose_UK) 16 March 2019
Malin Andersson, who appeared on the series in 2016, wrote a series of tweets. Her first read simply: “Wake up, Love Island.”
Read more: Tragic Love Island star Mike Thalassitis recently lost his nan
Malin went on to to say that she had received flowers from producers of the show when her mum died but no phone call.
She added that no support was given when her co-star Sophie Gradon took her own life in June last year, and that something needs to change.
WAKE UP @LoveIsland !!!!
— Malin Andersson (@MissMalinSara) 16 March 2019
Kady McDermott, who has appeared on both Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex, shared: “Hopefully going forward reality shows will help more with the aftermath of being on one, because I can say it definitely didn’t happen after my series when lots of us needed it.
“People’s lives change overnight and no one can mentally be prepared for it. The good and the bad.”
Hopefully going forward reality shows will help more with the aftermath of being on one, because I can say it definitely didn’t happen after my series when lots of us needed it. Peoples lives change over night and no one can mentally be prepared for it. The good and the bad.
— Kady (@kadymcdermottx) 16 March 2019
A spokesperson for Love Island, which is presented by Caroline Flack, has issued a statement to Mail Online, explaining their policy of support for contestants on their show.
It reads: “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.
“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.”
Following the news of Mike’s death on Saturday, ITV said: “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.”
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If you have concerns about your own mental health or that of a loved ones, call Samaritans free on 116 123.