Love Island 2019: Malin Andersson urges show to change casting process after Mike Thalassitis’ death

The show is set to return to screens soon
Change: Andersson spoke up in the wake of Thalassitis' death
Joel Anderson/ITV
Safeeyah Kazi25 April 2019

Malin Andersson has urged Love Island show bosses to rethink their casting process in the wake of Mike Thalassitis’ death.

The reality star has called for a change in how the show screens potential islanders after Thalassitis was found dead in a park near his north London home on March 15, after taking his own life.

Speaking to the Metro, Andersson said: “It should come back, but with extra psych tests and further screening for mental health. Also with diverse bodies so the show sends out a positive message.”

She added that the biggest impact comes a few years down the line after work “dries up” for the stars.

Aftercare: Andersson urged show bosses to change their processes
Ian West/PA Archive/PA Images

“There needs to be full after care and support post show and up to two years’ worth of therapy if needed, because the first year is fine. It’s the second year when work dries up that you and you feel lost and need help,” Andersson added.

Representatives told how the show will now offer support to all contestants rather than just those who request it.

More screenings: Andersson called for a different casting process
Getty Images

A statement at the time read: “This review has led us to extend our support processes to offer therapy to all Islanders and not only those that reach out to us. And we will be delivering bespoke training to all future Islanders to include social media and financial management.

"The key focus will be for us to no longer be reliant on the islanders asking us for support but for us to proactively check in with them on a regular basis."

The breakfast bar, which Thalassitis was due to open with business partner Scott Neilson, is set to open its doors in the stars’ “honour”, with all proceeds from drinks being donated to CALM, an organisation which aids young people struggling with depression.

Filming for Love Island 2019 has already kicked off with Caroline Flack teasing the upcoming season online.

Mike Thalassitis - In pictures

1/10

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in