Love Island will have ‘mental health first aiders’ in the villa 24/7 and producers will prep contestants for the show
LOVE Island bosses are dramatically overhauling their “duty of care” in the wake of ex-contestants’ deaths.
The returning ITV2 series is also hiring a new clinical psychologist, Dr Matthew Gould, in an ongoing bid to review their procedures and monitor stars.
The new intake will get extensive social media training — including how to handle trolls.
They will also receive financial advice to ensure they do not blow their winnings or subsequent commercial earnings.
In addition, the would-be stars will get a “proactive aftercare package” lasting 14 months, which includes a minimum of eight therapy sessions.
Last night a source said: “ITV are taking no chances.
The welfare of contestants must, and will, come first. Going on Love Island can be life-changing — but it’s imperative these young stars are equipped to handle the pressures of fame. It’s not all free champagne and parties.”
Filming crew will also get mental health checks while a welfare team will be on hand at the Majorca villa.
Last night Dr Gould said: “Duty of care is not a static goal. It evolves with public expectation, legislation, and with the commercial development of the programme format in order to maintain creativity.
“Effective delivery of care is an exercise in collaboration, especially between health professionals, programme participants and producers.”
He said his appointment “is testament to the seriousness which ITV gives this subject”.
Potential islanders already go through extensive psychological and medical assessments before entering the villa, where a therapist is on hand.
Their GP will provide medical history reports, with the contestants fully disclosing relevant issues.
It comes after Sophie Gradon, who featured in the 2016 series, took her own life two years later aged 32.
Ex-footballer Mike Thalassitis was found dead in a park in North London in 2019 aged 26, having taken part on the show two years earlier.
A number of former stars also slammed the show’s aftercare, including Malin Andersson, 28, who said she had “no support or help” when her four-week-old girl died.
In 2019 ITV announced changes to its post-series support, to offer help to all stars, not just those who ask for it.
Also on hand in the new series will be physician and ex-BT chief medical officer Dr Paul Litchfield.
He said the Covid pandemic highlighted the need for improving mental health.
He explained: “Society’s appreciation of the importance of mental health and wellbeing has grown enormously in recent years and the pandemic has brought that into even sharper focus.
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“Reducing risk of harm is imperative but promoting good mental health is also necessary.
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"ITV’s evolving commitment, backed up by tangible action, is an example to others.”
The new series, hosted by Laura Whitmore, starts at 9pm, Monday June 28, ITV2.
