Love Island’s Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon’s deaths among 38 suspected suicides linked to reality TV shows worldwide
THIRTY-EIGHT people have died in suspected suicides linked to reality TV shows, the Sun on Sunday can reveal.
Despite this telly bosses are allegedly allowing vulnerable people on screens with little or no support.
The shocking death toll worldwide since 1986 can be revealed just a week after the suicide of Love Island star Mike Thalassitis.
Among them is another contestant on the ITV show, Sophie Gradon, 32, who was found dead at her parents’ home in Ponteland, near Newcastle, last year. A reality TV source said: “The bosses are so worried about offending anybody they’re allowing people with histories of eating disorders, mental health problems, anxiety and depression to take part.
“People are going on these shows who aren’t strong enough to cope. They come out to millions of social media followers, trolls, hangers-on. Some are national hate figures.
“For a young person with a mental health condition, it’s a lethal combination.”
“For a young person with a mental health condition or low self esteem, it’s a lethal combination.” Mike, 26, was found hanged in woods in Edmonton, North London, last Saturday. Pals said he was allowed on MTV show Ex On The Beach despite suffering depression. His scenes will not now be shown.
Two Geordie Shore stars said they appeared on the MTV show shortly after panic attacks. Holly Hagan 26, said: “I had to put on that brave face.”
Sarah Goodhart, 25, said: “I just felt very neglected.” Last year 85,000 people applied to join Love Island. China has banned reality TV claiming overnight fame is “too dangerous”.
TV psychologist Emma Kenny - who has worked on Big Brother - declared: “These figures are horrendous. I have seen people broken after reality TV.”
ITV has vowed to offer social media training, financial management and therapy for all Islanders.
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Let's Talk
THE Sun’s Let’s Talk campaign is encouraging those with suicidal thoughts to contact loved ones and professionals, as well as asking the friends and family of anyone displaying suicidal behaviour to get in touch with them.
Get professional suicide prevention advice at Papyrus HopeLineUK on 0800 068 4141 or email [email protected]