ITV boss hits back at criticism over Love Island deaths

Mike Thalassitis death

by Marianna Manson |
Updated on

Following the news of a second Love Island star's suicide in a year, ITV bosses have been forced to defend themselves over accusations they were responsible

AfterMike Thalassitis from 2018’s series was found hanged in a park age 26, some pointed the finger of blame at Love Island’s failure to prepare contestants for fame after leaving the villa.

But despite Love Island's initial vow to do more for ex-contestants, now ITV chief Carolyn McCall has hit back at the accusations, calling the link between Love Island and the two suicides – 2016's Sophie Gradon died in June last year –“extremely tenuous”.

Sophie Gradon death
©Getty

CHECK OUT the tragic celebrity deaths of 2019

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Celebrity Deaths 2019 - DON'T USE

Celebrity Deaths 20191 of 11
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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

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
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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.

Mike Thalassitis
©Getty

"I would say that I don't think anybody has made a direct link between what happened to Mike and Love Island,” she told the Broadcasting Press Guild. "That would be an extremely tenuous thing to do given he was very happy on Love Island and all his mates have said that and that he's done two other reality programmes since then…

“We can do everything we possibly can to look after people and to do out duty of care but you can’t do that forever with an individual.

“There has got to be a framework and it will come to an end. It can’t be indefinite.”

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Following Mike’s death on 16 March, tributes poured in for the star, who’d gone on to appear on Celebs Go Dating and film Ex on the Beach for MTV after his stint on Love Island.

However, after the news of his passing, MTV made the decision to pull the tenth series of ETOB, releasing a statement that said: “We were very sad to hear the tragic news about Mike Thalassitis and our thoughts are with his family and friends.

"Last year, Mike took part in filming for the next series of Ex on the Beach, which was due to air on MTV later in the year. In light of the news of Mike’s death, we have decided not to broadcast the planned tenth season of the show."

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