Love Island responds to reports 2019 contestants will have to pass mental health checks

It follows the death of two former stars

Author: Alex CarmichaelPublished 3rd May 2019

Love Island bosses have responded to claims that 2019 contestants will have to pass mental health checks before appearing on the show.

The concern over mental health for contestants follows the death of two former Love Island stars, Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon. In a statement released to Digital Spy on 19th March, ITV said everyone at Love Island was "so shocked and absolutely devastated" by the tragic news of Mike Thalassitis' passing.

ITV has now stated that important care will be offered for the 2019 stars, before, during, and after filming the series, with an ITV spokesperson saying, "Our duty of care is a continuous and ongoing proĀ­cess for each islander. This follows three key stages ā€“ pre-filming, filming and aftercare."

ITV reviewed its process for the show in March and, as a result, contestants will now receive financial and social media training as well as mental health counselling after leaving the Love Island villa.

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Love Island responds to reports 2019 contestants will have to pass mental health checks
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ITV said in its statement, "This review has led us to extend our support processes to offer therapy to all Islanders and not only those that reach out to us."

They continued in their statement, "And 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."

Fans of the show, as well as former contestants, have been asking for Love Island to step up its care for the show's stars after filming, following the shock deaths of Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon.

Filming has already began for the 2019 reality series, with Caroline Flack teasing fans on her Instagram.

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