Love Island has affirmed that it will implementing rigorous duty of care protocols in its upcoming 2021 series.
In front of the popular reality show’s long-awaited return from June 28, ITV has revealed how it intends to support participating singletons previously, during and after their spell in the Mallorca-based villa.
In an statement issued by the broadcaster, it said that all contributors will approach support participating singletons. Islanders, specifically, will go undergo training on the effects of social media and how to deal with online trolls, just as financial management and how to acclimate to life back home.
Before the show starts off, Islanders will be needed to share “any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the villa and the production’s ability to provide a suitable environment for them”.
They’ll then, at that point be surveyed by a independent doctor and a psychological consultant.
When they leave the competition, be it through choice, elimination or – in two future contestants’ cases – winning, they’ll each get a proactive package that “extends support” past their experience on camera.
This will include at least eight therapy sessions and a 14-month contact period, where they’ll be helped with discovering suitable management if that is something they feel like they need to seek after.
Previously, Love Island has gone under scrutiny for the care afforded to its members, following the passings of previous Islanders Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, and moderator Caroline Flack.
Last year, ITV enlisted Dr Matthew Gould, a Consultant Chartered Clinical Psychologist, to work close by existing medical adviser Dr Paul Litchfield to freely review and continually evolve the duty of care measures the show has in place.
“Duty of care is not a static goal,” Gould recently explained. “It evolves with public expectation, legislation, and with the commercial development of the programme format in order to maintain creativity. Effective delivery of care is an exercise in collaboration especially between health professionals, programme participants and producers.
“Also, it can be especially influenced by senior leaders within an organisation. My appointment last year in a new role to broaden the duty of care effort is testament to the seriousness which ITV gives this subject.”
Love Island will get back to ITV2 on Monday, June 28, and will be available through make up for lost time with ITV Hub.