'Love Island' bosses have confirmed the show's duty of care protocols for the upcoming series.
Laura Whitmore
The ITV2 dating show - which is hosted by Laura Whitmore - is set to return on June 28, and the team has announced a range of measures to help contestants, including social media training, "comprehensive psychological support" and the offer of a minimum of eight therapy sessions afterwards.
Dr. Paul Litchfield - who ITV appointed in 2018 to review the show's participant welfare processes - commented: "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."
And Dr. Matthew Gould - who works as a consultant chartered clinical psychologist - 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."
In a press release, ITV noted that the process for "all contributors involved" in the show includes "comprehensive psychological support", "training for all Islanders on the impacts of social media and handling potential negativity" and "training for all Islanders on financial management", as well as "guidance and advice on taking on management after the show".
There will also be "detailed conversations" with contestants about the "impact of participation on the show", as well as a "proactive aftercare package" which promises to support Islanders once filming has ended with "proactive contact" and extra support where necessary.
ITV has confirmed that registered mental health professionals will be available for 'Love Island' stars throughout the entire series, from pre-filming, during the show itself and as part of the aftercare.
As part of the assessment prior to filming, Islanders will have psychological and medical evaluations which include assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from their own GP.
As such, potential contestants will need to disclose any medical history which could be relevant to them being in the villa, and the team's ability to provide a suitable environment.
Meanwhile, the "implications" of the taking part in the show - "both positive and negative" will be given to potential stars, while the cast members are advised to talk about these with people they trust.
In addition, there will be a welfare team during and after the show, and the senior team in Majorca has mental health first aid training.
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