Last Monday saw the release of the brand new line-up for Season Five of Love Island.
But as soon as the information went online, the cast members were bombarded with a slew of insults from the public.
Fuming fans of the hit ITV show took to social media to slam these hateful comments, labelling them “hypocritical”.
Twitter users pointed out that just weeks ago, viewers had expressed concerns over the mental health of potential contestants.
After the deaths of two former Islanders in recent years, the show was hit by criticism over the lack of aftercare support it put on offer.
Season One Love Island star Sophie Gradon, 32, committed suicide in 2018.
Earlier this year, Mike Thalassitis, 26, was found dead in the woods near his Essex home, having appeared on the show in 2017.
ITV released a statement following his death, confirming that they would implement a stronger system of support for contestants in the future.
But just a few weeks ago, the ethics behind reality television were drawn into question again when a guest on The Jeremy Kyle Show was found dead just a few days after filming had wrapped.
Furious social media users argued that, in light of the tragic incidents that had so recently occurred, viewers should make an effort to treat Love Island contestants with more kindness.
One said: “People shouting from the rooftops about mental health awareness, yet so many b****y comments flying about my timeline about the new Love Island line-up. Hypocrites.”
A second wrote: “Preaching about cancelling Love Island because of mental health one minute, to calling the new islanders boring, fat and ugly the next?”
While a third asked: “Are people actually ripping into Love Island contestants’ appearances? Am I even surprised – hypocrites.”
And a fourth chipped in: “So all the people who talk about how dangerous Love Island is for mental health are the same people calling the next lot ‘ugly’?”
Hopefully, fans of the popular dating series will take mental health awareness into account the next time they take to their keyboards.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
While a third asked: “Are people actually ripping into Love Island contestants’ appearances? Am I even surprised – hypocrites.”
And a fourth chipped in: “So all the people who talk about how dangerous Love Island is for mental health are the same people calling the next lot ‘ugly’?”
Hopefully, fans of the popular dating series will take mental health awareness into account the next time they take to their keyboards.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
