Piers Morgan has hit out at ITV's new duty of care plans for the 2021 series of 'Love Island' insisting the "dimwit" contestants shouldn't go on the reality show if they can't handle it.
Piers Morgan
The ITV2 dating show - which is hosted by Laura Whitmore - is set to return on June 28, and this week bosses announced a range of measures to help contestants, which incudes "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".
Piers, 56, has since taken to Twitter to offer some "simpler" advice to this year's Islanders, advising them if they don't think they can handle the pressure and scrutiny of the show to not take part.
The 'Life Stories' host tweeted: "My advice would be much simpler to any prospective Love Island contestants: if you can’t stand the heat, don’t go into the kitchen.
"Nobody’s forcing these people to go on TV and cavort around in no clothes having sex with like-minded dimwits."
The new guidelines on 'Love Island' follow a 2018 enquiry into the hit show from which two contestants have tragically committed suicide, Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon.
As well as the new measures taken while the programme is on air, 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 also 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.
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."
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