Series five of Love Island has officially wrapped for the summer, and producers are now taking no chances with the aftercare treatment of all eight finalists.
The finalists- Ovie Soko, India Reynolds, Greg O'Shea, Amber Gill, Molly-Mae Hague, Tommy Fury, Maura Higgins and Curtis Pritchard- are all on lockdown for 24 hours to receive aftercare and media training.
Before they jet back to the UK and Ireland and re-enter the real world, eight of the contestants will take part in a day of advisory sessions to aid them in readjusting to newfound fame.
"Bosses are leaving no stone unturned this year," an insider told The Sun. "Whereas the first day of freedom after the villa was historically a free-for-all, they are now making everyone stay put and have a “down day” with bespoke sessions.
"There was a feeling they let them loose too soon and with not enough advice so they’re just changing it entirely this year. It’s a day of adjusting back to civilian life," the source added.
"Their lives aren’t going to be the same again so experts will be on hand for any questions or worries they have." Love Island producers revealed their revamped aftercare programme back in May, including therapy and 14 months of support.
In the full statement, the show outlined three ‘key stages’ for the pre-filming, filming and aftercare – with aftercare especially getting an increase in support.
Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and discussion with each Islander’s own GP to check medical history take place.
Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose any relevant medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the villa and the production’s ability to provide a suitable environment for them.
Detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear.
Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them.
Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid. A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after.
Aftercare includes training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home, as well as a minimum of eight therapy sessions when they return home.
Proactive contact with islanders for a period of 14 months up until the end of the next series will ensue. This means contact with the Islander will last for 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable.
ITV encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities.
Last night saw Amber and Greg crowned King and Queen of the villa, with charming Limerick lad Greg choosing to split his £50,000 prize money with his Geordie girl.
The 21-year-old beautician gushed: "Oh my god, it has been wild, like a roller-coaster of emotion, like absolutely mad."
She beamed at Greg. "He’s just lovely, he has nice energy about him. And he makes me laugh." Greg added: ‘I knew coming in she was the one out of everyone from the girls in the villa."
Feature image: ITV/REX
