Jonny Mitchell 'Wanted To Leave' Love Island After One Day

In the light of Mike Thalassitis' tragic death this weekend, many former Love Islanders have been speaking out about their own experiences with mental health support both during and after the show. Jonny Mitchell has spoken angrily about his own experiences and has started a petition to call on ITV to take more responsibility for contestants' continuing mental health welfare.

Jonny Mitchell 'Wanted To Leave' Love Island After One Day
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Jonny Mitchell 'Wanted To Leave' Love Island After One Day

In the light of Mike Thalassitis' tragic death this weekend, many former Islanders have expressed worries that the lack of support for reality TV stars from producers post-show are not good enough. Mike's Love Island 2017 co-star Jonny Mitchell has started a petition entitled 'No more suicides - give real support to all contestants'.

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Jonny wrote:

'I got to know Mike Thalassitis when we appeared together in ITV’s Love Island, and he quickly became one of my best friends from the show. I always looked up to him - he was so full of positivity and charisma. When I found out this weekend that he had taken his own life I was utterly heartbroken.

In the space of a year, two Love Island contestants have been in such a dark place that they’ve felt it necessary to take their own lives. Aside from that I know many, many more people who have also struggled with depression following on from the show.

I think it’s time to wake up and see that the way this industry operates is toxic and it costs lives.'

Jonny's petition has already garnered over 65,000 signatures calling on ITV to implement a compulsory aftercare scheme for reality contestants in an effort to prevent future tragedies. However, the petition has also attracted many comments from fans who say the show cannot be made responsible for ex-contestants' mental health.

In an appearance on Sky News this week, Jonny also spoke about his own experiences in the villa, revealing that he wanted to leave the show after Day 1 - which he elaborates on in the video above.

If you are struggling with your mental health, you can call Samaritans free any time on 116 123 (this number will not appear on your phone bill), send an email to jo@samaritans.org or visit your local branch for support.

Image: Getty

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