ITV has unveiled the duty of care processes that will be in place to protect this year’s Love Island contestants, as they go from being members of the public to famous faces with thousands of followers on Instagram.
The show has previously drawn criticism for the pre and post-show care in place and in the wake of Mike Thalassitis’ death, they announced a revision of the guidelines back in March.
The full details of what participants will now receive has now been outlined by ITV, which can be seen below:
Pre-Filming and during filming:
- Psychological consultant engaged throughout the whole series - from pre-filming to aftercare.
- Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and discussion with each Islander’s own GP to check medical history.
- Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose any relevant medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the villa and the production’s ability to provide a suitable environment for them.
- Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear.
- Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them.
- Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid.
- A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after.
Aftercare:
- Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home.
- A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be provided to each Islander when they return home.
- Proactive contact with islanders for a period of 14 months up until the end of the next series. This means contact with the Islander will last for 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable.
- We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities.
In a statement accompanying the new guidelines, Richard Cowles, the creative director for ITV Studios Entertainment, said: “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.”
Love Island will return to our screens on Monday 3 June and the line-up is expected to be revealed around a week before they head into the villa.
And following the success of Dani Dyer, it seems the series could feature more Islanders who already have links to the world of celebrity.
So far, Curtis Pritchard (the brother of Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ) and Sophie Piper, Rochelle Humes’ sister are among those apparently heading into the villa.