ITV responds to ‘Love Island’ backlash with bolstered aftercare

ITV has said it is extending its “support processes” for Love Island contestants following the suicide of 2017 cast member Mike Thalassitis. 

The channel released a lengthy statement on Tuesday (19 March) highlighting that it is retooling its aftercare process following a recently concluded six-month review.

“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. 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.”

ITV2’s hit format Love Island has been the target of widespread criticism around insufficient aftercare after Thalassitis was found dead in a London park last week – the second former contestant to have taken their life in the past year. Last June, Sophie Gradon – a contestant on the 2016 show – was found dead of an apparent suicide.

The channel indicated in its statement that it has been proactive in reviewing its processes, noting that it engaged a physician to independently review its medical processes six months ago. The changes to aftercare procedures come as a result of that review, according to ITV.