Love Island paid tribute to former contestant Mike Thalassitis at the end of the first episode of its new series on Monday night.
After the titles rolled, a moment was taken to remember the late 2017 Islander, who died earlier this year.
A black screen appeared alongside a photo of Thalassitis and a message that read: “In loving memory of Mike Thalassitis 1993 - 2019”.
Thalassitis, who featured in the third season of the ITV reality show in 2017, is suspected to have died by suicide on 15 March 2019.
It had been previously reported that bosses were not planning to include a tribute to Thalassitis in the new series’ debut, but instead place a similar message on the box set of his season of Love Island which can be watched on ITV Hub.
The homage received mixed reactions from Love Island fans on social media.
Many Twitter users praised the reality show for the “lovely” tribute to the late star, with one person writing: “Well done #loveisland for dedicating the show to Mike Thalassitis.
“I hope the aftercare and the contestants mental health are now at the priority of everyone involved. The people who look the happiest on the outside can sometimes be the ones suffering the most inside.”
Another person agreed, adding: “A lovely tribute to Mr Mike Thalassitis well done #loveisland.”
However, others were less impressed by the tribute and accused ITV bosses of not doing enough to remember the former Islander.
“Love Island execs are s***. They gave Mike two seconds after the credits? Disgusting #loveisland,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Another added: “RIP Mike. I don’t think that two second tribute was good enough though @itv2."
“Mike was a huge part of the show. He should of had a montage of best bits at least #loveisland [sic].”
Love Island previously paid tribute to 2016 contestant Sophie Gradon by dedicating an episode to her after she passed away in June last year.
At the beginning of the show, a photo of Sophie appeared with the words, “In loving memory of Sophie Gradon”.
The deaths of both Thalassitis and Gradon sparked calls for ITV to revise its duty of care to contestants before and after taking part.
Changes to Love Island’s processes include new financial and social media training for the Islanders, as well as a more specific aftercare plan, which will see them have to attend a minimum of eight therapy sessions after the show has ended.
For confidential support on mental health call Samaritans free from any phone, at any time, on 116 123 (UK & ROI) or email jo@samaritans.org. In the US call 1-800-273-TALK or chat online.
