Olivia Buckland defends Love Island producers mental health aftercare

olivia buckland love island producers

by Hollie Richardson |
Updated on

Mike Thalassitis' shocking death has sparked debate over the care of Love Island contestants mental health after leaving the show

Former Love Island runner-up Olivia Buckland has spoken out about the aftercare she received from producers following her exit from the show in 2016.

According to the 25-year-old - who has candidly spoken about her mental health issues in the past - she was offered psychological tests and counselling after the series ended.

Talking to the Daily Mail about how she and her now-husband Alex Bowen were supported , Olivia said: "I was in constant contact with the producers for a very long time. I got offered psychological tests when I got out. I got offered counselling when I got out. I got a list of agencies.

"Honestly, they really did look after me, and Alex. They always checked in with us, and I'm still good friends with them now. They checked in with me about the wedding.

SEE: Celebrities who have sadly died in 2019

Gallery

Celebrity Deaths 2019 - DON'T USE

Celebrity Deaths 20191 of 11
CREDIT: Getty

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 Ross2 of 11
CREDIT: Twitter

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.

Celebrity Deaths 20193 of 11

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, 774 of 11

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, 825 of 11
CREDIT: Getty archive

Albert Finney, 82

Legendary actor Albert Finney, who played Daddy Warbucks in Annie, died in February after "a short illness",

Mark Hollis, 646 of 11
CREDIT: Getty archive

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, 447 of 11
CREDIT: Getty

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, 338 of 11
CREDIT: Getty

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, 529 of 11
CREDIT: Getty

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, 4910 of 11
CREDIT: Getty

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 Thalassitis11 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Mike Thalassitis, 26

Love Island 2017 cast member Mike Thalassitis was found dead in woodland near his home in Essex in March 2017.

Olivia Buckland on Love Island
©ITV

'"In my personal opinion, in my experience, I can't say that there is any more that could have been done for me. But, I did come out with Alex next to me, so that was also a massive support."

She added: "Love Island is there for you if you need them."

The comments come after fellow former Love Islanders have weighed in on the issue, by sharing their own experiences.

Megan Barton Hanson also spoke out on Monday, saying she was painted to be a "pantomime villain" by the show's bosses.

olivia buckland mike thalassitis
©Getty Images

In an interview with The Sun, 24-year-old Megan revealed: "When I came out of the villa ITV sat down with me and went through everything that had happened to make sure I was prepared but really – how can you be?"

She added: "'I’m one of the lucky ones in a way: I always understood that there was going to be a price to pay for the celebrity that followed Love Island, but even I couldn't envisage how high it would be."

WATCH: Alexandra Cane reveals Love Island's secrets you never knew!

READ:

Wes Nelson heads home with Nottingham student after night out

EastEnders star Dean Gaffney 'dumped' by his model girlfriend

Lisa Armstrong 'dreading' Ant McPartlin’s engagement news

Mike and Megan
©Getty

Mike's ex-girlfriend Megan McKenna has also broken her silenceon his tragic death. Taking to Instagram on Monday afternoon, she wrote: "Sorry I haven't been on social media but I'm in complete shock and trying to come to terms with this. I can't believe I'm writing this post."

The 26-year-old former Celebs Go Dating star continued: "My thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family. Rest in peace Mike."

Hours before the short but heartbreaking post, Sam Thompson - who also starred in Celebs Go Dating alongside Sam and Mike - wrote a heartbreaking tribute, which included: "I have been incredibly lucky over the past year to have met a man like Mike. A friend who, much like the guy I’m currently on tv with has never had trouble being the cool guy or dating women, but who was also so kind, and would pick an insecure wimp like me off the floor time and time again, and make me feel confident, and part of the gang.” He concluded: “You are a far better man than i mate, and I will always remember you."

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us