Alex George felt "sick and ashamed" knowing his family would see his "humiliation" after no one coupled up with him on the first episode of last year’s ‘Love Island’.
The 29-year-old doctor admits he "couldn’t have been more wrong" about "how hard" the ITV2 dating show would be after taking part in the fourth series in 2018, and he was left mortified when none of the female Islanders initially picked him on the first day’s coupling up session.
He said: "If the contestants in the new series are expecting a relaxed summer of sun by the pool, they are in for a shock.
"From the moment my phone was taken off me as part of the pre-show preparations, I realised it was not going to be a walk in the park.
"There would be no speaking to friends or family or knowing what was happening in the outside world. Then came the dreaded entrance to the ‘Love Island’ villa, in which the men walk in, one by one, to a line of female contestants who are waiting, ready to step forward for you, or stay in line and reject you.
"My turn came and I stood there shaking as my worst fears were realised: no one stepped forward. I felt sick and ashamed knowing that very soon, millions of people would see my humiliation – including all my family, friends and colleagues."
Alex, who has returned to his job as an A&E doctor following the show, admits the programme was "far from an easy ride" and when he did eventually couple up with someone, he felt "stress and anxiety" about other Islanders trying to steal his partner.
He added: "I had some of the best moments of my life: I made some great friends and there was lots of fun and laughter. But I also experienced some dark times.
"From learning to live with 10 or more strangers in one bedroom to the stress and anxiety of other contestants constantly trying to steal your partner, it’s far from an easy ride."
Alex recently admitted he needed therapy after appearing on ‘Love Island’, and has now opened up about asking ITV for counselling sessions just after Christmas 2018.
In an opinion piece for the Guardian newspaper, he added: "Shortly after Christmas, I approached ITV and asked for counselling. The sessions it organised with a psychologist have helped me adapt to life after the show. But I did have to ask for counselling, and I worry not all contestants struggling with the after-effects of the show will necessarily feel comfortable doing so.
"So I’m really glad to see there are some changes being made this year, including post-show counselling sessions being offered to all contestants."
While Alex found it tough in the villa, the show appears to have influenced the public’s travel plans after holiday bookings to Mallorca in June increased by an average of 154.2 per cent each year since ‘Love Island’ began airing back in 2015, according to lastminute.com.
‘Love Island’ returns tonight (03.06.19) at 9pm on ITV2.
Alex George opens up about Love Island ‘humiliation’
