Love Island star Matthew McNabb revealed he met with a psychologist in the villa as he battled a secret heartbreak, after tragically losing a friend just weeks before entering the show.
Just weeks before making his TV debut on the hit show, the 26-year-old from Co. Down was left devastated after the sad passing of a close pal Ryan Freeman.
Opening up on his loss for the first time since leaving the ITV show last week, Matt admitted he struggled with the heartache during his time in the Spanish villa.
He said: “My life has been crazy the past few months. From one of my best friends passing away two weeks before Love Island, to entering the villa and experiencing all that came with it.
“I’m not going to lie, the first week in the villa I struggled a lot.
“I was thinking of my friend and wanted my loved ones around me.
“Meanwhile, I was wanting to be my usual happy, positive self to really show who I was.
“I haven’t told anyone this, but I met with the psychologist when I was in the villa and cried for a solid hour.
“She helped me so much and made me realise that this life is an adventure and with any adventure, there are ups and there are downs.
“However, that is the journey and as long as you realise that, you will be okay.
“So embrace it, be present, be grateful and you will start to live your adventure to the best of your ability.
“This life is an amazing story and you are the main character in it.
“Live without fear, go for what you want, because someday the story will end, so make it epic.”
The marketing consultant from Downpatrick praised producers for allowing him to get the help he needed behind the scenes.
“I just want to thank @itv2 and @loveisland for being so supportive and amazing throughout. You are an amazing group of people.”
He went on: “If you or anyone you know need to talk to someone, please go to hubofhope.co.uk and type in your post code for the most appropriate charity.
"#LoveIsland #MentalHealthAwareness”.
Matt packed his bags and left the show last week after his fate was left in the hands of fellow contestant Priya Gopaldas.
The medical student picked Brett Staniland in a dramatic recoupling, sending Matt home.
The pair have since been booted out themselves, after being voted the most incompatible couple on the show on Monday night.
