Tortured Megan McKenna’s grief over Mike Thalassitis

Mike Thalassitis  Megan McKenna

by Lily Smith |
Updated on

As Megan McKenna comes to terms with the loss of her ex, Mike Thalassitis, bereavement expert Dipti Tait reveals the intense emotions of grief

As the shock of Mike Thalassitis’ death took hold last week, amid reports he had been dealing with debt, as well as grieving for the loss of his grandmother and close friend Danny Cutts, it also emerged that he was “struggling with his split” from reality star Megan McKenna.

Megan and Mike started dating in February 2018 and, just months later, she told Closer, “He’s the loveliest boy. If he proposed tomorrow, I’d say yes. I can 100 per cent see myself with him forever.” But the couple split briefly in August after heated rows. And following a make-or-break holiday to Dubai in October, they called it quits for good.

CHECK OUT the celebs we've lost in 2019

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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.

megan mckenna and mike thalassitis
©Instagram / megan_mckenna_

Megan, 26, revealed the impact of the break-up during a recent episode of Celebs Go Dating – filmed months before Mike’s death – tearfully confessing, "I just want that love back".

Two days after Mike’s body was found, a distraught Megan wrote on Instagram: "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 even writing this post. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family. Rest in peace Mike x."

Her post came after she was targeted by an online hate campaign for taking two days to break her silence. Trolls blasted her, saying, "Why have you not posted yet about your ex’s death?" and "She must not care about Mike, heartless".

Megan has previously been open about the vicious abuse she’s suffered online, telling Closer last summer, "People troll me and it does upset me. They have no idea of the s**t I’ve been through."

And as she mourns the man she once called The One, bereavement therapist Dipti Tait explains to Closer that Megan mustn’t blame herself.

megan mckenna and mike thalassitis
©Instagram / megan_mckenna_

Dipti says, "Having a former partner take their own life is particularly heartbreaking. Mike’s ex, Megan, could be feeling polarised emotions – a combination of shock and numbness. Sometimes a sense of guilt is part of the grieving process, even though she mustn’t blame herself."

Closer magazine
©Closer magazine

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Megan McKenna
©Getty

She went on to say: "She may well be torturing herself with all kinds of thoughts at the moment, and she’s likely to have very reflective thoughts about the relationship. There may be lots of ‘what ifs’ or regrets over things she may have wanted to say but felt she couldn’t. This is all very normal in cases like this.

"Grief is an emotional roller coaster, but the sooner the bereaved person conquers any feelings of guilt, the easier it can be to go through the grieving process."

Read more in this week's Closer magazine - out now.

For bereavement support, visit www.cruse.org.uk or call their helpline on 0808 808 1677. If you have concerns for your mental health, visit www.samaritans.org or call 116 123

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