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.

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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

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Peter Tork, 77

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Albert Finney, 82

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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."

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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.

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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."

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Luke Perry, 52

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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.

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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."

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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."

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