Alex Miller was in a dark place but a Love Island producer spotted a worrying Instagram post
Alex, who had a short stint on Love Island has admitted that he was close to taking his own life after appearing on the reality dating show on ITV2 last year.
Fellow Love Island star Mike Thalassitis, 26, passed away last Saturday 16 March after reportedly battling depression for six months, it encouraged Alex to speak about his own experience.
A look at all the celebrities we've lost in 2019
Celebrity Deaths 2019 - DON'T USE
Annalise Braakensiek, 46
Former Play Your Cards Right model Annalise Braakensiek, who worked with TV legend Bruce Forsythe on the show, was found dead in her new house in January 2019. "Everything seems to feel twisted and upside down at the moment," she wrote on social media, shortly before her death. "Life's challenges have been deep, dark, difficult, demanding and down right scary lately."
Martha Ross, 79
Jonathan Ross paid tribute to his mum Martha in January 2019 after she died aged 79, She played a stall-holder at Bridge Street Market in EastEnders.
Karl Lagerfeld, 85
Fashion powerhouse and Creative Director of Chanel since 1983 and Fendi since 1965, Karl died in Paris in February following a brief period of ill health, continuing to work right up until his death.One of the most prolific and controversial figures in fashion, tributes have poured in for Karl following the tragic news. "Fashion show after fashion show, collection after collection, Karl Lagerfeld left his mark on the legend of Gabrielle Chanel and the history of the House of Chanel," Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel, said today. "He steadfastly promoted the talent and expertise of Chanel's ateliers and Métiers d'Art, allowing this exceptional know-how to shine throughout the world. The greatest tribute we can pay today is to continue to follow the path he traced by – to quote Karl – 'continuing to embrace the present and invent the future'."
Peter Tork, 77
The bassist of 70's pop group the Monkees passed away peacefully at his home in February, aged 77. A statement from his family on his facebook page said,"Peter succumbed to a 10 year bout with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Peter's energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him. Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage.
Albert Finney, 82
Legendary actor Albert Finney, who played Daddy Warbucks in Annie, died in February after "a short illness",
Mark Hollis, 64
Founder and front-man of 80's synthpop band Mark Hollis died age 64 in February from unspecified causes, with tributes to musician pouring in on Twitter."RIP Mark Hollis. Cousin-in-law," wrote Anthony Costelloe. "Wonderful husband and father. Fascinating and principled man. Retired from the music business 20 years ago but an indefinable musical icon."And a former band mate said, "Musically he was a genius and it was a honour and a privilege to have been in a band with him."I have not seen Mark for many years, but like many musicians of our generation I have been profoundly influenced by his trailblazing musical ideas."
Lisa Sheridan, 44
Actress Lisa Sheridan, best known for her roles in CSI: Miami and other US TV series', was found dead in her home aged just 44 in February.
Janice Freeman, 33
Janice Freeman, of The Voice fame, has died in March age 33. Her cause of death is thought to be a fatal blood caught caused by an extreme case of pneumonia. "A survivor and fighter, and a beautiful force in this world, Janice gained notoriety through her success on NBC's 'The Voice' as a member of Miley Cyrus' team," a statement said. "Her story inspired fans nationwide, having successfully battled cervical cancer and living her life to the fullest while fighting lupus."
Luke Perry, 52
Actor Luke Perry, who starred in Beverly Hills 90210 and Netflix hit Riverdale, has died from a stroke age 52 in March.
Keith Flint, 49
Tributes from across the world of music and dance have poured in for The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, after he was found dead in his Essex property on Monday 4th March. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
Mike Thalassitis, 26
Love Island 2017 cast member Mike Thalassitis was found dead in woodland near his home in Essex in March 2017.
Alex joined Love Island 2018 alongside five other men when the group was split between the original villa and Casa Amor. He had a brief fling with Megan Barton-Hanson but he was kicked out when Wes Nelson her in the recoupling.
Alex has now confessed that after leaving the sunny villa he suffered from depression and even considered suicide.
Speaking on Access All Areas with Lizzie Cundy and Stephen Leng, he admitted: “I did go through a dark patch where I would look at bridges and think ‘Yeah, I could drive into that’.
"I was in a dark place [after the show]. It was winter time, there was a lot of factors coming up, knowing that everything was sort of coming to an end like getting back into the old routine in the job."
On returning to his regular job, Alex said: "Everything has died a death, you’ve fallen off the cliff of reality fame. It’s not what it is cracked up to be."
The turning point came when a fan on Instagram asked a question about aftercare and Alex responded by posting a worrying rant which encouraged a Love Island producer to get in touch.
The producer, who followed Alex on Instagram, put him in touch with a psychiatrist and the therapy has helped him get through the dark patch so that he can now move on with his life.
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Love Island producers have been challenged for not providing enough aftercare for contestants once they leave, following the tragic deaths of Mike, last weekend and Sophie Gradon, who took her life last year.
Alex disagrees with the criticism and defended the producers, sharing: "They can’t be pro-active all the time and keep chasing and keep chasing.
"There are so many contestants, it’s impossible for them to do."
He also added: "Looking back, all I needed to do was be forward and go talk to them."
Love Island bosses have promised to provide new safeguarding guidelines for the stars which will include social media training and financial advice.