Love Island fans demand 2019 series is cancelled out of respect for Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon after shock suicides
LOVE Island fans have called for the 2019 series to be cancelled following the deaths of Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon.
Mike's suicide this weekend marks the second death in nine months after Love Island star Sophie Gradon’s suspected suicide last June.
Mike, 26, was found hanged in woodland in Edmonton, North London, on Saturday.
The former semi-pro footballer found fame on the 2017 series of the ITV2 dating show and was set to launch a restaurant
His death comes nine months after the suspected suicide of Sophie, 32, who was on the show’s 2016 series. She was found dead at home in Ponteland, near Newcastle.
And fans convinced the show needs to be shut down to save lives have taken to Twitter to call for 2019's series to be cancelled.
Sophie’s mum Anastacia paid tribute to Mike on Saturday, wishing his family “love in your darkest hours".
Fellow Love Island Zara Holland added: “More must be done to help contestants. Yes, they have a psychiatrist behind the scenes but there is zero aftercare. You can’t just be forgotten.”
She said returning to real life when the “fame bubble bursts” is tough as internet trolls “target your weakest insecurity".
Zara added: “You have money coming in left, right and centre. You have lots of people that want to be your friend but they only want to use you.
“But then the new series comes out a year later and no one wants to pay you.”
Zara said reality shows should arrange weekly therapy sessions for contestants for one to two years after they leave.
She also blasted ITV for selling Love Island to Netflix because contestants will face their embarrassments all over again.
WHERE TO GET HELP
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
Mike’s manager and close friend, Dave Read of Neon Management, added: “It’s with great sadness that I can confirm Mike took his own life.
“His family and close friends are devastated as he was a loyal, loving and kind-hearted soul who would always look out for them.
“Mike loved his job and enjoyed all the trappings that came with being a reality star.
“But losing such a young life in this way is an absolute tragedy and shows why anybody who is battling a mental health issue shouldn’t feel scared to speak up.
“If we can learn anything about Mike’s passing it’s that we should destroy this stigma that young men can’t talk about their problems.
“They should be encouraged to speak, otherwise this will keep on happening.”
Model Jessica Shears, 25, who took part in the same series as Mike, claimed ITV were interested only in profiting from contestants before discarding them.
She said: “Shows offer you ‘support’ but realistically it’s only while you are in their care.
“The minute you get home and are no longer making them money it’s out of sight, out of mind.
“There should be ongoing support and also financial advice. Life after these shows isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.”
Kady McDermott, 23, who was in the 2016 show, added: “Hopefully going forward reality shows will help more with the aftermath of being on one.
“Because I can say it definitely didn’t happen after my series when lots of us needed it.
“People’s lives change overnight and no one can mentally be prepared for it, the good and bad.”
On Saturday ITV insisted that it took welfare of Love Island contestants “very seriously”.
It said psychologists and medical help were available “before, during and after” shows.
A spokeswoman said: “Care for our Islanders is a continuous process for all those taking part.
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“We ensure that all of our contributors are able to access psychological support before, during and after appearing on the show.
“The programme will always provide ongoing support when needed and where appropriate.
“We also discuss at length with all our Islanders, before and after the show, how their lives might change. They have access to support and advice to help with this.”
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet, it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. To remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there's nowhere left to turn, that there is hope.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, we told you the stories of brave survivors, relatives left behind, heroic Good Samaritans - and shared tips from mental health experts.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. You're Not Alone.
For a list of support services available, please see where to get help below.
- IF you’ve been affected by issues in this story, call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
