Love Island 2019: Are shows doing enough to protect reality TV contestants from mental health problems?

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Understandably, there’s fierce opposition to simplifying the complexities of suicide and mental illness by placing the onus solely on reality TV programmes – Love Island host Caroline Flack recently labelled it “dangerous” – but the links are difficult to ignore. “And in return for beautifying and honing themselves to perfection, whether it’s via surgical enhancement or cosmetic fillers, they potentially win media opportunities and lucrative sponsorship deals.” Love Island series four star Zara McDermott was on a family holiday in Bulgaria when cruel comments about her body on Instagram prompted a “breakdown at the dinner table”. open image in gallery Zara McDermott starred on the fourth season of ‘Love Island’ in 2018 Social media has an “undeniable” part to play in the mental wellbeing of reality TV contestants, says TV psychologist Charlotte Armitage. ITV disputed Holland’s claims, saying at the time: “The opinions the islanders have, decisions they make and the relationships formed are completely within the control of the islanders themselves.” Ex on the Beach star Jess Impiazi made similar claims in a recent interview with the BBC, explaining how one producer told her: “Lots of shagging tonight please girls.” Whizz Kid Entertainment, the production company behind Ex On The Beach, said “contributors are made fully aware of the nature of the programme before filming”.