2020 saw the tragic suicide of Caroline Flack, the show's long-time presenter and an absolute fan favourite of the series as well the suicides of former contestants Sophie Gradon and her partner Aaron Armstrong in 2018 and Mike Thalassitis in 2019. It ultimately begs the question, has reality aftercare really improved since their deaths?
After four love-island-related suicides, I question why the show is still running. Yes, the show is entertaining as it is widely watched amongst the British audience but is a dating show really worth the risk of exposing presenters or contestants to the harsh backlash waiting for them in the outside world- Caroline Flack was subjected to endless amounts of online hate after an incident with her partner which was then heavily reported in the press.
Going back to 2019, the creative director of ITV issued a statement saying they were committed to bettering the aftercare shows. The previous approach to aftercare after the show was that the contestants had to approach ITV if they needed the support or help, but since then contestants are now proactively approached and can receive eight sessions of therapy after the show. The aftercare also entails advice on financial matters and adjusting to life after the show in hopes of easing contestants back into reality.
In essence the show seems to be providing as much care as they can for contestants but once again is it really worth the mental health of people?
ITV has also since then taken steps to ensure contestants are analysed throughout the show, a BBC article dating back to 2021 stated that a mental health professional will engage throughout the series, but also an independent doctor and psychological consultant will participate in the care of the contestants to deliver "thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments".
In essence the show seems to be providing as much care as they can for contestants but once again is it really worth the mental health of people? If this is the amount of care being needed to help those associated with the show then that must tell that something isn’t right, right?
ITV also stated that "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,’ and that they must disclose any ‘medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the villa and the production's ability to provide a suitable environment for them’.
But five years on from Caroline Flack's death, her mother Christine wants to help others and learn from her daughter's story. Since her death, a memory bench with a QR code has been made so that people can read her daughter's story and know that life does get better.