Hit reality show Love Island did need to boost its support for contestants, following the tragic deaths of two ex-islanders, says Newcastle's Ellie Brown .
The 2018 Love Island contestant praised the changes made in the wake of the deaths of former Miss Newcastle Sophie Gradon, and 2017 star Mike Thalassitis, the Manchester Evening News reports .
Speaking at the Pride of Manchester awards , she said the way show bosses had responded to the tragedies was "necessary".
Ellie 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.”
Following Mike's death , in March, Love Island producers announced they were reviewing their support process for Islanders, saying they would ensure support and therapy was given to everyone on the show, even if they didn't explicitly ask for help, and to "proactively check in" with former stars.
As well as offering therapy, contestants will now be given social media training and financial management advice.
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A coroner concluded last month that Sophie, 32, who had been suffering from depression and anxiety, had ended her life at her parents' Ponteland home, though it could not be rule a suicide, as a a combination of alcohol and cocaine could have affected her ability to think rationally.
The family of Mike, 26, said in March he had ended his own life after suffering from "a dark depression that he kept very well hidden".
Appearing at the event with fellow star Kendall Knight, Ellie also addressed her own journey following the show - confessing leaving quitting the North East for London was "the worst thing [she] ever did".
“When we got out the show I felt that I needed to move to London but it was the worst thing ever,” she explained.
“I remember telling Kendall and she said, you don’t need to do it. It was the worst thing I ever did.”
The new series of Love Island is expected to start on June 3 - but Ellie says that she is flying out to Miami so won’t be watching.
Kendall, however, can’t wait.
She said: “I’m obsessed. I will be watching it every night. It’s come round so quick.”
* If you're affected by the issues in this article, you can call Samaritans confidentially on 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email jo@samaritans.orgWhat can you do if you're worried someone you know is having suicidal thoughts?
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