Love Island have put cast through ‘strictest ever mental health checks’ to take part on the show

LOVE Island bosses have put this year’s contestants through the strictest psych tests yet to make sure they can cope with fame after the show.

Insiders tell us that experts had the final say on who went into the villa – not show producers – and hundreds of wannabes were turned down after gruelling medical checks.

This year's cast have been put through strict checks — This year’s cast have been put through strict checksCredit: ITV

The Sun Online understands that all contestants had to fill in a questionnaire on mental health, then have an interview with an expert and then a third meeting with a professional who made the decision on whether they are mentally well enough to cope with fame and all the highs and lows that come with it.

“Everyone who applies to the show now has to undergo the most stringent of interviews you can imagine to ensure that they are mentally fit and well to take part,” reveals our source.

“And once they get through an initial interview there are separate checks made to make sure that everyone taking part is suitable to be on a show that comes with so much interest and puts young people under the spotlight.

“There were some applicants who didn’t make it through the process on the basis that producers were concerned that they would not be able to cope.”

Bosses have been extremely strict and turned down hundreds of hopefulsCredit: ITV

Last year, ITV’s Richard Cowles revealed details of the show’s duty of care, following controversy surrounding the tragic deaths of former contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon who took their own lives.

Fans of the show even called for it to be cancelled.

“Due to the success of the show our Islanders can find themselves in the public eye following their appearance,” he said.

“We really want to make sure they have given real consideration to this and what appearing on TV entails. Discussing all of this with us forms a big part of the casting process and, ultimately, their decision to take part.

Mike took his own life in March last year - after appearing on the 2018 show — Mike took his own life in March last year – after appearing on the 2018 showCredit: PA:Press Association

Sophie Gradon took part in the second series of the ITV2 showCredit: Refer to Caption

“Also, as we are outlining today our welfare processes follow three key stages: pre-filming, filming and aftercare and we are increasing our post filming support to help Islanders following their time in villa.”

As well as three stages of pre-villa checks, islanders get post-show training on “dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home”, a minimum of eight therapy sessions and the show keeping contact with contestants for 14 months after the show ends.

ITV also bought in former Chief Medical Officer Dr Paul Litchfield to review the show’s duty of care.

Love Island 2020 begins this Sunday, ITV2 at 9pm