Love Island to air Mike Thalassitis tribute following ITV U-turn

Mike tragically died in March

Author: Alex RossPublished 3rd Jun 2019

Love Island 2019 is set to begin with a touching tribute to former contestant Mike Thalassitis on tonight's show (Monday 3rd June), after bosses at ITV made a U-turn with their decision.

It had previously been reported that ITV had chosen not to make any mention of Mike's tragic death in the new series, instead adding a tribute to series three on the ITV player. But now, with just hours to go until the new series kicks off with Caroline Flack, their decision has changed.

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Love Island to air Mike Thalassitis tribute following ITV U-turn
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A Love Island insider revealed, “Producers wanted to pay their respects to Mike and show his friends, family and fans that he was a part of the Love Island family and is missed deeply by everyone.

“It is a really difficult subject but they wanted to address it rather than sweep it under the carpet or pretend it hasn’t happened."

It comes after Mike tragically took his own life at the age of just 26 back in March. A Met Police spokesperson said at the time, "Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9 at 0928hrs on Saturday, 16 March to reports of a man found hanged.

"Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, aged in his 20s deceased.

"At this early stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious. Police are in the process of informing the man's next of kin. A file will be prepared for the coroner."

With Mike's sad passing, and series two contestant Sophie Gradon also ending her life, Love Island bosses have been under a great deal of scrutiny, with many people thinking the show should be taken off air, just like The Jeremy Kyle Show.

However, bosses responded to the backlash, releasing details of their extensive care policies which cover the 'Pre Filming and Filming' stage of the show, as well as the 'Aftercare' policy.

Read all of the Love Island care policies right here.

Meanwhile, as fans gear up for the brand new series to begin tonight (Monday 3rd June), bosses have teased us with pictures from the first coupling up of the series.

Find out everything you need to know about Love Island 2019 right here.

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