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Love Island bosses release FULL contestant care policy ahead of new series

Read the policy in full...

Author: Alex RossPublished 22nd May 2019

Love Island bosses have been heavily criticised in recent months, following the tragic deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, and after The Jeremy Kyle Show got axed following the death of a contestant, some have called for the ITV2 show to be cancelled too.

In light of recent events, and ahead of the brand new series on Monday 3rd June, Love Island bosses have released an extensive statement regarding their care policies for this year's contestants.

The statement, which was released today (Wednesday 22nd May), outlines the duty of care process for both the 'Pre Filming and Filming' stage of the show, as well as the 'Aftercare' policy.

Pre Filming and Filming

1) Psychological consultant engaged throughout the whole series - from pre-filming to aftercare.

2) Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and discussion with each Islander’s own GP to check medical history.

3) Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose any relevant medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the villa and the production’s ability to provide a suitable environment for them.

4) Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear.

5) Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them.

6) Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid.

7) A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after.

As well as the above during filming for the show, bosses have also confirmed that every Islander to appear on the 2019 series will be giving 'bespoke training', as well as therapy sessions.

Swipe through to see what the Love Island 2018 cast are up to now:


Love Island bosses release FULL contestant care policy ahead of new series
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Jack Fincham

Pen salesman Jack Fincham won the show in 2018 alongside Dani Dyer, the pair coupled up together in the first show and the rest was history.

Aftercare

1) Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home.

2) A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be provided to each Islander when they return home.

3) Proactive contact with islanders for a period of 14 months up until the end of the next series. This means contact with the Islander will last for 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable.

4) We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities.

Speaking about the recent changes, Creative Director ITV Studios Entertainment Richard Cowles said, “We’re very excited that Love Island is back for another series. It is the nation’s favourite dating show and we have a fabulous new cast of young singles all looking for love and ready for a summer of romance in the iconic Love Island villa.

“The format of the new series will be familiar to Love Island viewers and we can’t wait to see how the new Islanders take to life in the villa and how relationships blossom. We hope that viewers will be hooked as they watch these young singles fall in love - hopefully it will be a summer to remember for both the Islanders and our viewers."

He then continued, “Due to the success of the show our Islanders can find themselves in the public eye following their appearance. We really want to make sure they have given real consideration to this and what appearing on TV entails. Discussing all of this with us forms a big part of the casting process and, ultimately, their decision to take part.

“Also, as we are outlining today our welfare processes follow three key stages: pre-filming, filming and aftercare and we are increasing our post filming support to help Islanders following their time in villa."

It comes after series two contestant Sophie Gradon, and series three star Mike Thalassitis both took their own lives after appearing on the reality show, with many past Islanders speaking about that more should be done after they leave the villa.

The 2019 series of Love Island begins on Monday 3rd June.

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