Love Island’s Ellie Brown says changes are ‘necessary’ for the show’s future

She is one of many contestants to speak out

Ellie Brown

by William Marriott |
Updated on

Love Island 2018 contestant Ellie Brown has said the recent changes to the show are ‘necessary’ in avoiding further tragedy.

It comes after Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, who were ex-contestants of the hit ITV2 show, took their own lives after battling with the pressure of instant fame.

Speaking at the Pride of Manchester awards, Ellie opened up about the changes that show bosses have put in place to help contestants, and said “I think after what’s happened the past year, that was necessary”.

Mike Thalassitis
©Mike Thalassitis. Getty

“It was something that the show had to do. If it hadn’t, there would be a lot of people that wouldn’t have felt the same way about it”.

“Love Island is loved by the nation and they want to continue it that way and I think this was the necessary step to make sure everyone was happy”.

Gallery

Love Island couples still together slider with cover pic - feb 2019 updated

Swipe through to see which Love Island couples are still together...1 of 9

Swipe through to see which Love Island couples are still together...

Nathan Massey and Cara de la Hoyde2 of 9
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

Series Two: Nathan Massey and Cara de la Hoyde

The couple later welcomed a baby boy called Freddie in December 2016. Sharing the happy news on social media, Nathan wrote, 'The day has finally come !!!! Myself and @cara_delahoyde have become parents to our beautiful baby boy !!! Massive hats off to Cara Who delivered our boy safely !!!!! #thenextchapter ud83dudc99ud83dudc76ud83cudffc[sic]In July 2018, Cara and Nathan announced they are now engaged with Nathan popping the question in the villa they first met.

Nathan Massey and Cara de la Hoyde3 of 9
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock

Series Two: Nathan Massey and Cara de la Hoyde

Nathan Massey and Cara de la Hoyde are the only Love Island winners to have remained together!Despite splitting for a number of months in 2017, the couple rekindled their romance when Cara discovered she was expecting the couple's first child.

Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen4 of 9
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock

Series Two: Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen

It took her a while, but Olivia Buckland finally found her man during Love Island season 2. After leaving the villa together when they finished in second place behind Cara and Nathan, the couple haven't looked back!

Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen5 of 9
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

Series Two: Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen

Just a few months after leaving the famous villa, Alex popped the question to Olivia during a romantic trip to New York. The couple are now planning their wedding, with parts being shown on their very own TV show.

Dom Lever and Jess Shears6 of 9
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

Series Three: Dom Lever and Jess Shears

Despite the public thinking their relationship was just a 'joke', Jess Shears and Dom Lever have defied the odds and are one of the two couples still together from 2017's Love Island. Despite all of the drama, Dom proposed to his girlfriend in September 2017.

Series Three: Dom Lever and Jess Shears7 of 9
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock

Series Three: Dom Lever and Jess Shears

The couple have cashed in on promotional shoots together, appearances, and even got 'married' on Good Morning Britain on Valentine's Day. Despite the 'fake wedding', Jess and Dom then tied the knot for real in 2018, when they married at a private ceremony on the Greek island of Mykonos. They announced in May 2019 that they're expecting their first baby together! Congratulations!

Series Three: Jamie Jewitt and Camilla Thurlow8 of 9
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock

Series Three: Jamie Jewitt and Camilla Thurlow

The nation fell in love with Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Camilla Thurlow in 2017. And after she had her heartbroken by a number of different men in the villa, model Jamie Jewitt arrived and swept Camilla off her feet.After enjoying time together outside of the show and meeting each other's families, the couple are living happily ever after.

Series Three: Jamie Jewitt and Camilla Thurlow9 of 9
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock

Series Three: Jamie Jewitt and Camilla Thurlow

The loved up couple have since traveled the world together on charity missions... can they get any better?!

Other stars at the event praised the show's aftercare, including Kendall Rae Knight, who said the show "did a good job in the first place [but it's] nice that they're taking what happened seriously".

Following the saddening deaths, Love Island have announced they will improve safeguards and further procedures to support the islanders, including additional therapy. Producers are also said to be keen in taking a more active approach in spotting mental health issues as well as providing social media and financial management.

The show is reportedly set to return for its fifth series on 3rd June.

Love Island: Under The Duvet - HAVE GEORGIA AND ELLIE MADE UP?? #Awks

If you’re a sucker for the Spice Girls and love a bit of One Direction, you need heat Radio in your life.

We’re online at heatradio.com. You can still get us on the free app on your Android, iPhone or tablet. Tune in on Freeview channel 716 on the telly or get us on your smart speaker by asking it to "play heat radio."

Download our heat radio app on Android

Download our heat radio app on iOS

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us