Love Island has a huge fan base and has catapulted many of its contestants to celebrity status,
But the hit ITV2 show also has its fair share of critics, especially given the deaths of two former contestants as well as host Caroline Flack.
Former islanders Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis both tragically took their own lives after struggling to cope after leaving the show.
Love Island bosses have now urged fans "to think" before commenting on this year’s stars on social media. They are keen to avoid the ever-growing trend of trolling and made a plea to viewers a week before the new series kicks off next Monday, 28 June.
Sophie, who appeared in the second series, died in 2018 aged 32, while Mike died in March 2019 aged just 26. Caroline passed away aged 40, in February last year.
The mental well-being of the new batch of stars is understandably a high priority for Love Island bosses.
In 2018 ITV, launched a review of the show's welfare process to independently review the dealing of contestants.
So what's different this year?
ITV chiefs have employed rigorous welfare checks and training to help the sex-starved singletons before they embark on trying to find love in the villa.
As well welfare checks, this year's budding islanders have been subjected to strict coaching in dealing with online trolling, as well as receiving therapy sessions to help them adjust to their new found fame once they leave the villa.
Psychological support has been top of the priority list with the broadcaster keen to make sure this year's love-hopefuls are as best prepared as they can be to cope with the mental and emotional strains once before and after the show.
Expert coaching started after contestants were selected for the show, as bosses urged them to consider the repercussions of the celebrity limelight, as well as the impact on their friends and family.
Every contestant will be closely monitored in the new series as ITV2 hope to be on hand to offer help if anyone needs help.
Love Island top brass issued a sensible note of caution before the new series and stressed in a statement: “Who’s ready for a summer of love? #LoveIsland. YOU’VE GOT A TEXT!
“Tomorrow we will be revealing the cast for Love Island 2021.
“These Islanders are all single and ready to find love.
“We can’t wait to watch them get to know each other, date, and maybe even find the one.
“We’re so grateful they’re letting us follow their journey this summer.
“We hope you enjoy the show, but please think before you post.”
As well as rightly airing caution to viewers about their comments, TV bosses have confirmed the contestants have received pre-filming psychological and medical assessments.
That includes being examined by an independent doctor and psychological consultant, with it compulsory for all contestants to disclose their medical history.
On the back of the 2018 review, the broadcaster developed a new Duty of Care framework and set of procedures to identify, assess and reduce risks associated with all shows made by or for ITV - with Love Island being considered a priority.
In 2020 the station launched Britain Get Talking campaign which led to 6.4million viewers taking action to support their mental health.
This year ITV has partnered with mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), with the aim of helping 1 million young people take action to build their mental health and feel better able to cope with life’s ups and downs.
Presenter Laura Whitmore and voiceover husband Iain Stirling are both returning to the hit show where islanders look to fine love and pocket the £50,000 first prize.
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
