Love Island’s Ellie Brown says changes are ‘necessary’ for the show's future

She is one of many contestants to speak out

Author: William MarriottPublished 10th May 2019
Last updated 10th May 2019

Love Island 2018 contestant Ellie Brown has said the recent changes to the show are ‘necessary’ in avoiding further tragedy.

It comes after Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, who were ex-contestants of the hit ITV2 show, took their own lives after battling with the pressure of instant fame.

Speaking at the Pride of Manchester awards, Ellie opened up about the changes that show bosses have put in place to help contestants, and said “I think after what’s happened the past year, that was necessary”.

“It was something that the show had to do. If it hadn’t, there would be a lot of people that wouldn’t have felt the same way about it”.

“Love Island is loved by the nation and they want to continue it that way and I think this was the necessary step to make sure everyone was happy”.

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Love Island’s Ellie Brown says changes are ‘necessary’ for the show's future
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Other stars at the event praised the show's aftercare, including Kendall Rae Knight, who said the show "did a good job in the first place but it's nice that they're taking what happened seriously".

Following the saddening deaths, Love Island have announced they will improve safeguards and further procedures to support the islanders, including additional therapy. Producers are also said to be keen in taking a more active approach in spotting mental health issues as well as providing social media and financial management.

The show is reportedly set to return for its fifth series on 3rd June.

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