Georgia Kousoulou admits Mike Thalassitis’ tragic death "really hit home" after her boyfriend Tommy Mallet’s own mental health battle.
The ‘Only Way is Essex’ cast member has revealed how the late ‘Love Island’ star’s passing, aged 26, earlier this month had a big impact on her because her man had been struggling last summer.
She told MailOnline: "Do you know what, mental health is a hard thing, god bless Mike and his family. That really shook me up. It really hit home for me because Tommy was in that place.
"He was in a bad way through summer, it really scared me because I wish Mike would have opened up to anyone, or even me.
"I didn’t know him but I had gone through it with Tommy and it really upset me, it’s not something I can speak loosely about."
The reality TV star was relieved Tommy spoke out about his own battle last year, and the ‘TOWIE’ series finale showed him breaking down over his difficult few months.
Georgia added: "It’s a serious thing. I’m so glad Tommy spoke out about it. How Tommy coped was through talking and showing his emotions. He never cries so when he cried I was like, ‘Woah’ it was huge. It’s inspired other people to talk."
Mike’s body was found in woodland near his Essex home earlier this month.
Since his death, ITV – who air ‘Love Island’ – have announced "proactive" changes will be made to their aftercare for the stars of the popular show.
‘Embarrassing Bodies’ star Dr. Christian Jessen has called production companies to do more to help.
He recently said: "The problem with the shows is that one minute you are up there and the next minute you are literally nobody as a new show has come out.
"One minute everyone loves you and the next they don’t know who the f**k you are, which is a hugely tough thing to deal with. I think TV channels and production companies have a responsibility to make sure people are looked after."
Georgia Kousoulou: Mike Thalassitis’ death ‘really hit home’
