Caroline Flack has defended Love Island after the show came under scrutiny following the deaths of two former contestants in the last year.
The presenter is currently gearing up for the launch of the fifth series – the first full run since the deaths of Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, which prompted debate about the level of aftercare the show offers its contestants.
Defending Love Island in an interview with Metro, Caroline said that much of the criticism it faces is a symptom of people “pulling [things] to pieces” once they become popular.
She said: “The show is a journey of love and emotions that everyone can relate to and learn from. We are a feelgood show.
“When something becomes popular there seems to be a desire to pull it to pieces and over-analyse it.
“This is about young singletons having fun, getting to know each other, in an amazing villa in the Spanish sun.”
Caroline added: “There is a spotlight on reality TV shows at the moment but sadly this is a global problem we are dealing with; a modern-day life for all that is becoming overwhelming.
“We need to stop blaming speculating without the facts. As a human race we all need to come together, communicate, open up, express ourselves, be kind and be understanding of what all of us are dealing with on a daily basis.”
Since Mike Thalassitis’ death earlier this year, Love Island has announced they are committed to improving the aftercare contestants receive, full details of which have now been revealed.
A rep for Love Island confirmed this week that those who appear on the show will receive psychological consultations throughout their journey, from pre-filing to aftercare, with a minimum of eight mandatory therapy sessions for contestants once they return home.
Love Island will return to our screens on Monday 3 June, and following Dani Dyer’s success on the show last year, 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’ half-sister are among those apparently heading into the villa.