The world of reality television is one that's quite often kept under wraps. We see toned and tanned bodies sunning themselves on beaches in some of the most glamorous locations across the globe, but are rarely allowed access to the behind-the-scenes workings and production that goes into making a series such a huge success. The closest we've had is the fictional series UnREAL, which recently reached its conclusion with an epic fourth season.
So what exactly are producers hiding? Quite a lot, according to ex-contestants who are feeling let down with the way they say they were dropped as soon as the cameras stopped rolling.
That is one of the reasons being touted for the late Mike Thalassitis taking his own life on March 15. As a part of ITV's Love Island, the handsome youngster was quickly given the name "Muggy Mike", which would follow him long after his time on the series through tabloid headlines and social media. It wasn't a term of endearment. He was painted to be a panto villain, and whilst that may be all well and good whilst Love Island is on the air, he was never able to shake that title.
Just days before Thalassitis was found dead, his grandmother passed away. He had previously moved in with her to take care of her full-time, cementing their strong relationship. A picture of the pair, along with his brother Nick and other family members, was posted to Instagram on Christmas Day (December 25, 2018).
So, was Thalassitis completely failed by the Love Island aftercare team?
An inquest into another former Love Island contestant, Sophie Gradon's death by suicide, was set to be opened this week, but after new lines of enquiry emerged, her family and friends now claim that she reality star in fact didn't kill herself. Fresh theories are being investigated, after a coroner's agreement to delay the inquest to allow time for this to take place.
Still, there are calls now for ITV Studios to take a close look at how they're dealing with their reality stars when their shows come to an end.
Speaking on March 18 at The Spectator Health Summit in central London, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "I am very worried about the support for the mental health of contestants on reality TV shows.
"The sudden exposure to massive fame, I suppose, can have significant impacts on people and I think it is a duty on any organisation that is putting people in the position of making them famous overnight, that they should also look after them afterwards.
"I think that people need to take responsibility for their duties to people's well being very seriously."
Former Love Island contestant Jonny Mitchell - who was a part of the same series as Thalassitis - this week set up an online petition demanding "real support" for all contestants on Love Island and other reality shows that will follow from ITV Studios. You can sign by clicking here.
Mitchell says that ahead of going onto the show, he had to meet a psychologist twice before filming, but that when the filming stopped he had "no help or aftercare".
Producers for Love Island have released a statement responding to several similar allegations from former contestants, which reads: "Care for our Islanders is a process the show takes very seriously and is a continuous process for all those taking part in the show.
"We ensure that all of our contributors are able to access psychological support before, during and after appearing on the show. The programme will always provide ongoing support when needed and where appropriate.
"We also discuss at length with all of our Islanders, before and after the show, how their lives might change and they have access to support and advice to help with this."
What is being done may not be enough. It's now time for the government to step in and make a real change. Those in the position to make binding laws must demand that producers and studios approach aftercare with professionalism and robustness. It's not enough to simply say that contestants are being offered psychological help; it must now be proven. One death through suicide is too many.
For those who are struggling, Samaritans operates a 24-hour service every day of the year. They can be called for free on 116 123. You can also write down your thoughts and feelings if you prefer, and email Samaritans on [email protected]
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