Love Island reveals support process for contestants ahead of new series
Islanders will be offered 'at least eight therapy sessions'
With just days to go until Love Island finally returns to our screens, anticipation for the new series is at an all-time high. This year’s line-up of Islanders are already reportedly in quarantine in Spain ahead of the launch show and a swanky new logo has been revealed.
Not only that, but ITV have outlined the new duty of care protocols they’ve put in place to support contestants before, during and after their time on the show.
There have been calls for additional support for Islanders in recent years in light of the level of social media attention facing them, as well as the ever-increasing popularity of the show.
Bosses have now confirmed that contestants will receive “comprehensive psychological support” throughout all stages of their Love Island experience. This will include “at least eight therapy sessions” as well as bespoke training on the impact of social media, handling potential negativity and financial management.
Registered mental health professionals are always on hand for the Islanders, who have to complete detailed psychological and medical assessments before the show. There is also a dedicated welfare team for Islanders during and after their time in the villa, with the senior team based in Majorca also trained in mental health first aid.
ITV's press centre said: "These measures are regularly reviewed and evolve in line with the increasing popularity of the show and the level of social media and media attention around the islanders."
Before they sign up for the show, Love Island hopefuls are also made aware of the “implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series… throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear”.
ITV will remain in “proactive contact” with all contestants for 14 months after the series ends, with additional support available “where applicable”.
Scroll through to see which Love Island stars dated cast members from other series:
Luke Mabbott and Lucie Donlan
In July 2020, Winter Love Island star Luke Mabbott and Love Island 2019 star Lucie Donlan announced they were dating! The pair grew close during lockdown and in July then enjoyed a lovely little UK getaway together!
Luke M's Love Island BFF Luke T told the Mail Online, "I was asking him about it for weeks but he just told me last weekend. He's been cool, I think they're well suited and I'm happy for them. Hopefully they last."
Well, the pair certainly have lasted! They continue to flood social media on the daily with cute snaps together, looking VERY loved-up.
Wes Nelson and Arabella Chi
Despite leaving the Love Island 2018 villa with Megan Barton-Hanson, the pair split in March 2019, with 2019 Islander Arabella Chi catching Wes' eye on the show.
When Arabella left the villa, the pair enjoyed a number of dates before going official in August 2019.
Although the pair moved in together, just nine months after they went official, reports suggested that Wes and Arabella had split in April 2020.
Kaz Crossley and Theo Campbell
Following Love Island 2018 star Kaz Crossley's split from fellow Islander Josh Denzel, Kaz started dating 2017 star Theo Campbell.
The couple made things official and later attended events together, enjoyed a number of holidays and looking very loved-up.
Kaz Crossley and Theo Campbell
In August 2019, Kaz proved her love for her man by flying out to Ibiza after Theo lost the sight in his right eye following an accident involving a champagne cork.
Admitting how 'proud' she was of his bravery following the accident, Kaz wrote, 'It's been a hard 24 hours no one here speaks English and he was taken for hours at one point and I had no clue he was in surgery again. I've stayed in his room over night and just want to take him home. He's so brave and positive hopefully it will get better thanks for your kind messages.'
However, in February 2021, Theo confirmed the pair have now split, admitting he got 'slinged'.
Michael Griffiths and Ellie Brown
Love Island 2019 star Michael Griffiths seemed to confirm he was dating 2018 Ellie Brown after the pair both appeared on Celebrity Ex On The Beach. The former fireman even called Ellie 'the one'.
However, just hours later, Ellie denied the reports, admitting they only posted the photo to promote the show.
Joanna Chimonides and Jack Fowler
After Joanna Chimonides was brutally dumped from the Love Island villa in 2019, fans of the show were left in shock when she was met at the airport by Love Island 2018 hunk Jack Fowler.
Joanna Chimonides and Jack Fowler
Joanna was quick to clear up the rumours, revealing she's been pals with Jack for a number of years.
Maybe a potential couple in the future then? 🙈
Max Morley and Laura Anderson
Although Max Morley won Love Island 2015 alongside Jessica Hayes, the pair split shortly after leaving the villa and Max more or less removed himself from the spotlight.
That was until he started dating Love Island 2018 star Laura Anderson, with the pair posting cute snaps together on Instagram.
Max Morley and Laura Anderson
Things all ended in sadness though! Just a few months after enjoying a holiday in Barbados, Laura and Max split amidst cheating fears, with Laura blocking her former beau on Instagram.
Laura went on to date Dane Bowers and Gary Lucy, but she's now single and pregnant with Gary's baby.
Kendall Rae-Knight and Kem Cetinay
Love Island 2017 winner Kem Cetinay and 2018 Islander Kendall Rae-Knight were spotted on a 'date' in 2021, with the pair even sharing a kiss!
However, speaking to heat on Love Island: Under the Duvet, Kendall revealed the pair were just friends, saying, "Aaaah, yeah, we're just friends."
Antigoni Buxton and Jack Fowler
Antigoni Buxton is in the Love Island 2022 villa now, but before entering she dated 2018 Islander Jack Fowler for a number of months.
Former Chief Medical Officer Dr Paul Litchfield, who was appointed to review Love Island's participant welfare processes in 2018, said: “Society’s appreciation of the importance of mental health and wellbeing has grown enormously in recent years and the pandemic has brought that into even sharper focus.
"Reducing the risk of harm, where possible, is an imperative but promoting good mental health is also necessary. ITV’s evolving commitment to these issues, backed up by tangible action, is an example to others in the industry and beyond.”
Dr Matthew Gould, a Consultant Chartered Clinical Psychologist who works alongside Dr Litchfield, added, “Duty of care is not a static goal. It evolves with public expectation, legislation, and with the commercial development of the programme format in order to maintain creativity.
"Effective delivery of care is an exercise in collaboration especially between health professionals, programme participants and producers. Also, it can be especially influenced by senior leaders within an organisation. My appointment last year in a new role to broaden the duty of care effort is testament to the seriousness which ITV gives this subject.”
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