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Love Island 2019: Tribute To Mike Thalassitis To Air In New Series

Love Island 2019: Tribute To Mike Thalassitis To Air In New Series

The show confirmed the news ahead of the first episode airing tonight.

Rachel Andrews

Rachel Andrews

Love Island is set to air a tribute to Mike Thalassitis during this year's series following his tragic death in March.

After it was originally reported in tabloids that the show wouldn't air a tribute to the late Love Island 2017 star in this series, a source confirmed to Pretty52 that it is now going ahead.

Love Island kicks off tonight on ITV2 at 9pm, and it is expected that the tribute to Mike will air within this first episode in his memory.

PA

Another source also told the Mirror: "Producers wanted to pay their respects to Mike and show his friends, family and fans that he was a part of the Love Island family and is missed deeply by everyone.

"It is a really difficult subject but they wanted to address it rather than sweep it under the carpet or pretend it hasn't happened."

Mike was found dead in woodland near his North London home in March, and his death was confirmed as suicide by hanging by coroners.

The show reportedly had planned on remembering Mike with a tribute through ITV's streaming service, where fans will be able to watch the series which Mike starred in two summers ago.

Love Island has faced calls to majorly up its aftercare following the death of Mike as well as Sophie Gradon, who died in June 2018 and appeared in the 2016 series of the reality dating show.

A tribute to Sophie aired last year in the middle of the 2018 series, and the Islanders were informed of her death off-screen.

PA

Last month, producers outlined new duty of care procedures ahead of this year's series, which includes psychological assessments, training on dealing with social media, and a minimum of eight therapy sessions after leaving the show.

Before filming, this year's contestants will have undergone repeated psychological assessments and have received detailed explanations of both the positive and negative aspects of taking part in the show.

Once the show was over, contestants will be given training on how to deal with social media, financial advice and how to adjust to life back home.

They will also be provided with a minimum of eight therapy sessions, and 14 months of contact with the Love Island crew.

Anyone affected by the news of Mike or Sophie's death, or struggling in anyway, should call Samaritans for free on 116 123 - or write down your thoughts in an email to [email protected].

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Love Island 2019, TV News, Love Island