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Health secretary warns reality TV shows after death of Love Island star Mike Thalassitis

Written by on 18/03/2019

The health secretary has warned reality TV shows they have a duty of care for contestants following the death of Love Island star Mike Thalassitis.

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The 26-year-old, who shot to fame on the ITV dating show in 2017, was found dead in a north London park on Saturday.

Police are not treating his death as suspicious.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was “moved” by news of Thalassitis’ death and he was “very worried” about the mental health support provided to reality TV show stars.

Speaking at the Spectator health summit in London, he said: “The sudden exposure to massive fame… can have significant impacts on people.

“I think that it is a duty on any organisation that is putting people in the position of making them famous overnight, that they should also look after them afterwards.

“I think that people need to take responsibility for their duties to people’s well-being very seriously.”

Thalassitis’s death came after his grandmother – whom he lived with in order to care for her – died just two days earlier, while his best friend Danny Cutts passed away on Christmas Eve.

A host of Love Island stars have since criticised the TV show over claims it does not provide enough support to contestants after the programme ends.

Sophie Gradon, who appeared on Love Island in 2016, was also found dead in June last year.

An inquest into the death of the 32-year-old, which was to be held on Thursday, has been postponed to allow her family to consider new information.

Responding to the criticism, the makers of Love Island said the care of contestants was taken “very seriously and is a continuous process for all those taking part in the show”.

“We ensure that all of our contributors are able to access psychological support before, during and after appearing on the show,” a statement added.

“The programme will always provide ongoing support when needed and where appropriate.

“We also discuss at length with all of our islanders before and after the show how their lives might change, and they have access to support and advice to help with this.”

Thalassitis – who was nicknamed “Muggy Mike” on Love Island – also starred on reality TV show Celebs Go Dating which dedicated its latest episode to him following his death.

The E4 series ended Sunday’s episode with an image of Thalassitis and the words “In memory of Mike Thalassitis 1993 – 2019”.

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.

(c) Sky News 2019: Health secretary warns reality TV shows after death of Love Island star Mike Thalassitis