MIKE Thalassitis’ tragic suicide has prompted ITV to hire a 24/7 psychiatrist to support the cast of The Only Way Is Essex.
Show bosses are determined to protect their reality TV stars in light of Mike’s shock death, with the Love Island 2017 contestant taking his own life at the age of 26 earlier this month.
Speaking to The Mirror, Towie’s Sam Mucklow revealed that the team behind the ITVBe series are on high alert.
The 26-year-old star explained: “Towie’s producers are really conscious to make sure we are looked after and all OK.
“We all have the psychologist’s number. He has told all the cast to WhatsApp, call or text him at any time day or night.
“I’ve not needed to yet but all the cast know he is available 24/7 for them.”
Mike’s death came just months after fellow ex-Islander Sophie Gradon died in a suspected suicide after shooting to fame on the reality show.
The Health Minister, Matt Hancock, has since called for TV stars to get more psychological support, with the deaths sparking a nationwide debate on the amount of after care contestants receive from show bosses.
Love Island producers have since confirmed that they have changed their safeguards for all of their former and future contestants.
It said that therapy will be offered to “all Islanders and not only those that reach out to us”.
They will also provide social media training and financial management advice.
Meanwhile, Love Island 2018 lads Wes Nelson, Jack Fowler, Adam Collard and Josh Denzel have been supporting each other following news of Mike’s death, with Josh revealing that his suicide saw the boys check in on each other more regularly in their shared group chat
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.
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.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
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