TWO of this year’s dumped Love Islanders have issued a passionate defence of ITV after it was criticised when a contestant quit the show to protect their mental health.
Viewers aired concerns for the wellbeing of Jacques O’Neill, who was seen in tears following a spat with rival Adam Collard over his partner Paige Thorne.
He then dramatically quit the show saying he was struggling to cope in the villa.
But Charlie Radnedge, who was given the boot a fortnight ago, says the duty of care the contestants receive is very thorough and helped those leaving adjust to life as a new reality TV star.
The 28-year-old said: “You get a load of therapy sessions afterwards and they are very supportive.
“Obviously given previous years, where there have been well documented cases of bad things happening... from my perspective I’m completely fine and sound.”
He added: “Other people might need it more, but that support network is there if you need it.”
Singer Antigoni Buxton has rushed to offer support to Jacques, while Charlie says he was right to quit as his demeanour had changed during his time in the villa.
“I hadn’t seen him in that sort of state in the time I knew him,” said Charlie at the Paul Strank Charitable Trust summer party.
“He was always super bubbly and he seemed really down. If his mental health is deteriorating, it’s right he should leave the villa.
“It’s exactly the right thing and I’ll fully support him.”
Antigoni, 26, added: “I spoke to Jacques, he was in really good spirits.
“He’d just had enough. He’d been there for long enough and he was ready to come back to reality.
“He’s excited to see what happens, and of course he’s excited for Paige to come back too.
“It must have been hard to watch her go on a date with Adam, but if it’s meant to be it will be.”
Following the suicides of former Love Island contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, this year the series enhanced their duty of care protocols to provide “extensive” welfare prior to filming, during the contestants’ time on the series and after they leave the villa.
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Producers have mental health first aid training and can offer psychological support during filming.
The dumped Islanders are given a minimum of eight therapy sessions when they return home.
And ITV pledge to make “proactive” contact with them for the 14 months after they appear on the show.
They are also given training on handling their social media accounts, which have usually gained more followers while they are on the show.
And each contestant is advised on how to handle potential negativity.
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