ITV have confirmed a number of changes to their duty of care processes ahead of the new series of ‘Love Island’, including "enhanced psychological support" and "a proactive aftercare package".
The channel have announced a number of alterations after the ITV2 dating show came under fire following the deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon, 32, and Mike Thalassitis, 26, and some have called for the programme to be axed after ITV dropped ‘The Jeremy Kyle Show’ following a participant death last week.
But the fifth ‘Love Island’ series is to go ahead on June 3rd, and ITV have today (22.05.19) confirmed there will be more detailed conversations with potential Islanders regarding the impact of participation on the show, and bespoke training for all Islanders on social media and financial management, which extends support to all Islanders following their participation.
Richard Cowles, creative director of ITV Studios Entertainment, said: "We’re very excited that ‘Love Island’ is back for another series.
"It is the nation’s favourite dating show and we have a fabulous new cast of young singles all looking for love and ready for a summer of romance in the iconic ‘Love Island’ villa.
"The format of the new series will be familiar to ‘Love Island’ viewers and we can’t wait to see how the new Islanders take to life in the villa and how relationships blossom.
"We hope that viewers will be hooked as they watch these young singles fall in love – hopefully it will be a summer to remember for both the Islanders and our viewers.
"Due to the success of the show our Islanders can find themselves in the public eye following their appearance.
"We really want to make sure they have given real consideration to this and what appearing on TV entails. Discussing all of this with us forms a big part of the casting process and, ultimately, their decision to take part.
"Also, as we are outlining today our welfare processes follow three key stages: pre-filming, filming and aftercare and we are increasing our post filming support to help Islanders following their time in villa."
The ‘Love Island’ team have been working with Dr. Paul Litchfield, a physician and a former Chief Medical Officer, for the last eight months to "evolve and enhance" their duty of care processes.
He said: "I have reviewed Love Island’s duty of care processes from end to end and they show a degree of diligence that demonstrates the seriousness with which this is taken by the production team.
"The processes and the support offered to Islanders have necessarily evolved as the show has developed and grown in popularity.
"The aim throughout has been to identify vulnerabilities at an early stage so that necessary adjustments can be made or potential Islanders can be advised that the show is not right for them.
"A high level of professional expertise has been engaged to provide comprehensive support not only while young people are actively engaged with the show but also for an extended period when they are adjusting to life thereafter.
"Professional input is a key element in safeguarding the wellbeing of Islanders but the genuine caring attitudes I have observed from those who make the show are as important."
‘Love Island’ launches on Monday June 3rd on ITV2.
ITV confirm Love Island duty of care changes
