Megan McKenna has reportedly pulled out of a scheduled appearance on Loose Woman after the death of her ex-boyfriend Mike Thalassitis.
Thalassitis, who dated McKenna last year, was found dead in a woodland near his Essex home on Saturday. He was 26.
On Monday, reality star McKenna told fans she was “in complete shock” and has since cancelled an interview to chat about Celebs Go Dating while she grieves, leaving Pete Wicks to talk about male mental health on the lunchtime show on Tuesday.
Before asking how McKenna was doing, Ruth Langsford said: "Megan was going to be with you, we trailed that this week because you're both on Celebs Go Dating but obviously Mike was a boyfriend of hers and clearly she's very upset."
"I've spoken to her very, very briefly," Wicks explained. "She just needs time to process what's happened, it's a big shock."
Earlier in the day, a source told The Sun Online: “Megan just couldn't face appearing on live TV today. Everyone has been really understanding and are giving her time to grieve.”
In her emotional statement, TOWIE star McKenna said that she “couldn’t believe she was even writing the post”.
It read: “Sorry I haven’t been on social media but I’m in complete shock and trying to come to terms with this.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family. Rest in peace Mike.”
McKenna initially faced a backlash from cruel trolls for not commenting publicly on her former flame’s death while tributes poured in from co-stars and friends.
However, the country singer was defended by fans who offered their condolences as she comes to terms with the news.
Thalassitis found fame on ITV2 show Love Island in 2017, earning himself the nickname “Muggy Mike” for his villa antics. In 2018, he appeared on E4 show Celebs Go Dating.
In the wake of his death, which comes almost a year after the death of former contestant Sophie Gradon, the popular programme has faced a wave of criticism over the aftercare.
Love Island alumni have hit out at the show for not offering enough support for stars when they leave the show and go on to become the subject of stories, promotions and club appearances. The criticisms have led some to call for the show to be “cancelled”.
In a statement ITV said caring for contestants “is a process the show takes very seriously and is a continuous process for all those taking part in the show”.
It continued: “We ensure that all of our Contributors are able to access psychological support before, during and after appearing on the show."
