Zara Holland says she’s still ‘haunted’ by Love Island

She’s spoken out after the death of her friend Sophie Gradon

zara holland

by Polly Foreman |
Published on

Zara Holland has revealed that her stint in Love Island left her depressed and struggling to cope after leaving the show on its second series in 2016.

She also warned fellow Love Island stars: ““You will be haunted by this for the rest of your life.”

Zara was targeted by vile trolls when she left the show after losing her Miss Great Britain crown for sleeping with Alex Bowen on TV. She has now urged show producers to offer support to contestants that need it.

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She told The Sun: “I changed as a person. I didn’t want to go out or socialise. I came out of Love Island and they didn’t contact me.

“I didn’t hear from anyone. Love Island called me for the first time in two years on Thursday to ask if I was OK. Funny they call me now when something terrible has happened.

“People applying need to know how serious things can be.

Her words come after Malin Andersson slammed the show for not providing aftercare, after Sophie Gradon was found dead last week.

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However, Tom Powell, who also appeared on the show in 2016, has disputed these claims.

He told The Sun: “The show was crazy. But they took care of us. Anyone who says otherwise is talking bullshit. This morning Love Island called me and said I could call the psychologist who works for the show. They gave her new number. He was one of the first person to speak to us.

“After you leave the show you speak to the psychologist and you were always checking in with her."

Sophie was found dead in her home last Wednesday (20 June).

Tributes poured in for Sophie from the likes of Olivia Buckland, Holly Hagan, Kady McDermott and Rachel Fenton.

Gallery

Celebs pay tribute to Sophie Gradon

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Holly Hagan

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Kady McDermott

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Rachel Fenton

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Olivia Buckland

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Hayley Hughes

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Nathan Henry

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Cara De La Hoyde

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Amber Davies

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Alex Bowen

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Caroline Flack

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Katie Salmon

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