Mike Thalassitis death: 'Love Island has got to open its eyes to this'

  • Published
Mike ThalassitisImage source, PA

"Love Island portrayed him to be this character of Muggy Mike. He wasn't - he was a proper gentleman."

That's how Mario Falcone, who was in The Only Way is Essex, describes Mike Thalassitis, who died aged 26.

The 2017 Love Island contestant was found dead in a park in north London on Saturday morning, police say.

Officers are not treating his death as suspicious.

"He was a really nice guy. I warmed to him - he always reminded me of a younger version of myself," Mario tells Newsbeat.

"I spoke to him quite a few times recently and he said he was struggling. But he said he was doing better."

If you need help with any of the issues mentioned in this article go to BBC Advice or contact the Samaritans on the free helpline 116 123.

This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip twitter post by Chris Hughes

Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
End of twitter post by Chris Hughes
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip twitter post 2 by Marcel Somerville

Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
End of twitter post 2 by Marcel Somerville

'There's a stigma, especially with men'

This Instagram post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Instagram
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip instagram post by mariofalcone

Allow Instagram content?

This article contains content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Meta’s Instagram cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
End of instagram post by mariofalcone

"I don't think the 'Muggy Mike' status was anything that really bothered him," says Mario.

"On social media there were a lot of things being said that were a lot stronger than 'Muggy Mike'."

But Mario says coming out of a reality TV show can be difficult - especially if there isn't a support network around you.

"You've gone from being a normal guy, to a celebrity to a 'guy that was on that show' - within the space of six months to a year.

"That's a lot to deal with."

He adds: "There is a stigma, especially with men, that you're meant to be OK, so you don't want to talk about it. "

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Mario Falcone says he spoke about his own mental health issues to try and help others

Mario has been open about his mental health in the past, and has spoken about trying to take his own life in 2013.

"I tried to take an overdose. I woke up the next morning and was violently sick. That was a wake-up call for me."

He adds: "After seeing a specialist it really helped, [but] it's not something that goes away."

'Love Island have got to look at how they treat their stars'

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Mike's grandmother had recently died at the age of 94

But Mario also says that reality TV shows sometimes don't do enough to help ex-contestants.

"Love Island have got to open their eyes to this.

"They've got to look at themselves and the way they treat their stars."

Media caption,

Eden Blackman: 'I wish Mike Thalassitis had picked up the phone'

Love Island contestant Sophie Gradon, who was on the 2016 series, was found dead in her home in June 2018.

At the time, her friend and fellow Love Islander Malin Andersson told Newsbeat that more aftercare needs to be provided from reality shows.

This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip twitter post 3 by Malin Andersson

Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
End of twitter post 3 by Malin Andersson

In a statement, Love Island broadcaster ITV said: "Care for our islanders is a process the show takes very seriously and is a continuous process for all those taking part in the show.

"We ensure that all of our contributors are able to access psychological support before, during and after appearing on the show. The programme will always provide ongoing support when needed and where appropriate.

"We also discuss at length with all of our islanders, before and after the show, how their lives might change and they have access to support and advice to help with this."

Image source, PA
Image caption,

Former Miss Great Britain Sophie Gradon's death was not treated as suspicious by police

In a separate statement given on Saturday, ITV said: "Everyone at ITV2 and Love Island are shocked and saddened by this terrible news.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mike's family and friends at this very sad time."

This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip twitter post 4 by Dom Lever

Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
End of twitter post 4 by Dom Lever
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip twitter post 5 by alex

Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
End of twitter post 5 by alex

Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, who has worked on reality shows including Big Brother, says that more needs to be done by the TV producers.

Last summer, after the death of Sophie Gradon, she told Newsbeat: "A show is not finished when you stop broadcasting.

"Those feelings go way beyond filming and production companies need to make sure their contributors are looked after."

'Everyone forgets'

Media caption,

Former Love Island contestant Zara Holland on what it's like inside the villa

But Mario isn't convinced that things will change.

"In two weeks' time, this will be old news. Everyone forgets."

He says other reality stars he's spoken to "feel like puppets".

He adds: "As soon as they've finished filming, and the producers are done with them - that's it. You're on your own."

This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip twitter post 6 by H O L L Y H A G A N

Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
End of twitter post 6 by H O L L Y H A G A N
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip twitter post 7 by Joey Essex

Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
End of twitter post 7 by Joey Essex
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip twitter post 8 by TALLIA STORM

Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
End of twitter post 8 by TALLIA STORM

Mario says the shared experience that a lot of reality stars go through helps create a bond between them because of the way they are treated.

"You feel a certain protection. That's why the reality world comes together for something like this.

"Whether it's Towie, Made in Chelsea, Geordie Shore - all these massive shows.

"It's very much the same behind the scenes with the producers.

"That's why we all support each other. We know and we understand."

Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, external, Facebook, external and Twitter, external.

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 every weekday on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra - if you miss us you can listen back here.