Love Island have outlined details of their new duty of care package for contestants, which includes psychological assessments, training on dealing with social media, and a minimum of eight therapy sessions after leaving the show.
ITV bosses outlined the changes ahead of the new series (starting Monday, 3rd June), after pressures to reassess their aftercare following the deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis.
Before filming, contestants will undergo repeated psychological assessments and be given detailed explanations of both positive and negative aspects of taking part in the show.
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Upon leaving, contestants will be given bespoke training on dealing with social media, advice on finance and adjusting to life back home. They will also be provided with a minimum of eight therapy sessions and 14 months of contact with the Love Island crew following the series.
Creative Director ITV Studios Entertainment Richard Cowles explained in a statement: "Due to the success of the show our Islanders can find themselves in the public eye following their appearance. We really want to make sure they have given real consideration to this and what appearing on TV entails. Discussing all of this with us forms a big part of the casting process and, ultimately, their decision to take part.
"Also, as we are outlining today our welfare processes follow three key stages: pre-filming, filming and aftercare and we are increasing our post filming support to help Islanders following their time in villa."
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"I have reviewed Love Island's duty of care processes from end to end and they show a degree of diligence that demonstrates the seriousness with which this is taken by the production team.
"The processes and the support offered to Islanders have necessarily evolved as the show has developed and grown in popularity.
"The aim throughout has been to identify vulnerabilities at an early stage so that necessary adjustments can be made or potential Islanders can be advised that the show is not right for them.
"A high level of professional expertise has been engaged to provide comprehensive support not only while young people are actively engaged with the show but also for an extended period when they are adjusting to life thereafter.
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"Professional input is a key element in safeguarding the wellbeing of Islanders but the genuine caring attitudes I have observed from those who make the show are as important."
The changes follow the tragic suicides of series two contestant Sophie Gradon in June 2018, and series three contestant Mike Thalassitis, in May 2019.
Prior to the announced changes, Rosie Williams, who appeared on series four, spoke about the show aftercare on Jeremy Vine.
"For me it took me about six to 12 months to fully adjust to this new lifestyle," she said. "I've been catapulted into a world where everyone knows who I am and everyone thinks they can have an opinion on me.
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"I feel if I was forced to see a psychologist every month I could benefit on speaking about my anxieties and my worries and work through them with her.
"Because a lot of people who are suffering from anxiety and mental health are the people who don't actually talk about it willingly.
"I just think the after care and analysis beforehand needs to be properly thought out and properly considered, because it's down to the person themselves as well and whether they can cope with certain aspects of each show."
The full duty of care process for series five reads:
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Pre filming and filming:
- Psychological consultant engaged throughout the whole series - from pre-filming to aftercare.
- Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and discussion with each Islander's own GP to check medical history.
- Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose any relevant medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the villa and the production's ability to provide a suitable environment for them.
- Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear.
- Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them.
- Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid.
- A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after.
Aftercare:
- Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home.
- A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be provided to each Islander when they return home.
- Proactive contact with islanders for a period of 14 months up until the end of the next series. This means contact with the Islander will last for 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable.
- We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities
Anyone affected by the news of Mike's death, or struggling in anyway, should call Samaritans for free on 116 123 - or write down your thoughts in an email to [email protected].
Topics: Entertainment News, TV & Film, Love Island, ITV