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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
James Brinsford

Love Island bosses 'vow to support stars during and after show' following deaths

The Love Island villa is about to open its doors for another summer of love and ITV bosses have vowed they will support Islanders 'during and after' the show.

There is also a commitment to support their wider families too, as those appearing on the ITV2 dating show are suddenly thrust into the public eye.

ITV are keen to make sure those who appear on the show are fully supported following the deaths of two former Islanders.

With ITV cancelling The Jeremy Kyle Show this week after guest Steve Dymond died following failing a lie detector test on the popular programme, there has also been calls for Love Island to be scrapped as well.

Sophie Gradon (ITV)
Mike Thalassitis on Love Island (ITV)

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Both Mike Thalassitis, 26, and Sophie Gradon, 32, took their own lives after appearing on the show and ITV bosses want to ensure that everyone, including the Islanders' relatives, receive relevant support as the series starts.

Mike was a contestant in 2017 and he tragically died in March while suffering from depression.

Sophie, who had starred in 2016, took her own life last year while suffering with anxiety.

With producers worried that Love Island could be the next show to be shut down, a source has told The Sun that contestants will have "mental health checks and have a psychologist on call 24 hours a day."

Mike Thalassitis died while suffering depression (PA)
Caroline Flack will host Love Island again (PA)

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They have reportedly written the families of the contestants into a welfare contract so that they can ensure Love Island stays a "fun show".

The new series starts on Monday, June 3 and is expected to run for eight weeks.

* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org

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