Love Island's Amber Gill and Kem Cetinay to front new series about mental health in ITV2 drive to open conversation surrounding well-being in wake of show's tragic suicides
- For confidential support call CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) on 0800 58 58 58, or see www.thecalmzone.net for details
- Latest Love Island news and updates from the Series 7 contestants right here
Love Island's Kem Cetinay and Amber Gill will front a new six-part series about mental health on ITV2.
The network has partnered with charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to open up the conversation surrounding well-being on the show named The Full Treatment.
The series is part of ITV's drive to address mental health in the wake of three suicides linked to its flagship show Love Island.
Time to talk: Love Island's Kem Cetinay (L) and Amber Gill (R) will front a new six-part series about mental health on ITV2
Sophie Gradon, 32, and Mike Thalassitis, 26, both took their own lives after appearing on the reality dating programme, while host Caroline Flack, 40, died by suicide in February last year - the day after hearing she would be prosecuted for allegedly attacking her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27.
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Former barber Kem, 25, who won the ITV2 series in 2017, and 2019 winner Amber, 23, who is a trained beauty therapist, will chat to a series of stars while giving them makeovers.
While Kem will be cutting hair for DJ Jordan North, reality star Jamie Laing and Ibiza Weekender’s David Potts, Amber will be chatting over a mani/pedi with fellow Love Islander Montana Brown, singer Chelcee Grimes and Apocalypse Wow host Donna Preston.
Barber: Kem will be cutting hair for DJ Jordan North, reality star Jamie Laing and Ibiza Weekender’s David Potts and will interview them about well being
By sharing their stories and engaging in an open discussion about the things that can impact mental wellbeing, The Full Treatment aims to shine a spotlight on the struggles young people can face, with Kem, Amber and their special guests offering their tips on support and coping mechanisms.
ITV hope to be able to target its core audience of ITV2 viewers aged between 16-34-year-olds, to ensure younger people feel equipped to think about what helps them get through tough times, and make time for it.
Simon Gunning, CEO for Campaign Against Living Miserably said 'It’s clear that things are tough for young people right now. In the past 12 months alone, the CALM website has seen an 100% increase in young people seeking support and advice on a whole range of issues - from relationships and loneliness through to anxiety and fear of failure.
Tragic: The series is part of ITV's drive to address mental health in the wake of three suicides linked to its flagship show Love Island (pictured late host Caroline Flack in 2019)
Devastating: Sophie Gradon, 32, and Mike Thalassitis, 26, both took their own lives after appearing on the reality dating programme
'The Full Treatment aims to make it OK to talk about some of the not-so-easy parts of life - the stuff that goes on behind the camera. Through entertaining and authentic personal stories, we hope young people will discover new ways to deal with the ups and downs of whatever they’re going through, and seek support when they need it.'
Paul Mortimer, Head of Digital Channels & Acquisitions for ITV, added: 'It’s great to be working with Kem and Amber again, using our platform and our audience to open up an important conversation about mental health and wellbeing.'
The new show is joined part of ITV's bigger drive to tackle mental health in the U.K.
Last month, former Love Islander Dr Alex George was appointed one of the network's mental health advisors.
Important: The new show is joined part of ITV's bigger drive to tackle mental health in the U.K. Last month, Love Island's Dr Alex George was appointed as an ITV mental health advisors
In addition to appointing mental health tzars such as Alex, ITV have been making steps to help promote better mental health among its staff.
And when the stars of the 2021 series were revealed on Monday, Love Island bosses warned viewers to 'think before you post'.
The ITV2 dating show is to make a long-awaited return next Monday after being cancelled last year due to coronavirus; and a social media message shared by the producers has issued a warning to fans in advance.
The series has become known to attract trolls online, and many former Islanders have slammed the show, claiming they have suffered with mental health issues after taking part on it.
A message on the programme's Instagram account read: 'You've got a text! These Islanders are all single and ready to find love. We can't wait to watch them get to know each other, date, and maybe even find the one.
'We're so grateful they're letting us follow their journey this summer. We hope you enjoy the show, but please think before you post.'
Stern reminder: Love Island bosses have warned viewers to 'think before you post' during the new series
Host Laura Whitmore and narrator husband Iain Stirling shared the same message.
Love Island bosses confirmed the show's duty of care protocols last week.
Dr. Paul Litchfield - who ITV appointed in 2018 to review the show's participant welfare processes - said: 'Society's appreciation of the importance of mental health and wellbeing has grown enormously in recent years and the pandemic has brought that into even sharper focus.
'Reducing the risk of harm, where possible, is an imperative but promoting good mental health is also necessary.
Summer TV: The ITV2 dating show - which is hosted by Laura Whitmore - is set to return on June 28, and this week bosses announced a range of measures to help contestants (pictured are 2018 contestants)
'ITV's evolving commitment to these issues, backed up by tangible action, is an example to others in the industry and beyond.'
The process for 'all contributors involved' in the show includes 'comprehensive psychological support', 'training for all Islanders on the impacts of social media and handling potential negativity' and 'training for all Islanders on financial management', as well as 'guidance and advice on taking on management after the show'.
ITV has confirmed that registered mental health professionals will be available for Love Island stars throughout the entire series, from pre-filming, during the show itself and as part of the aftercare.
What's more, there will be a welfare team during and after the show, and the senior team in Majorca has mental health first aid training.
For confidential support call CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) on 0800 58 58 58, or see www.thecalmzone.net for details
LOVE ISLAND 2021: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Sharon Gaffka, 25
Name: Sharon Gaffka
Age: 25
Location: Oxford
Occupation: Civil Servant - Operations Lead for Department of Transport
Who is their type on paper? 'I tend to date someone who is taller than me, even though my last long-term partner, he was actually someone who was shorter than me.
'I'm quite an intellectual person so I want someone who can kind of match that.'
Aaron Francis, 24
Name: Aaron Francis
Age: 24
Location: London
Occupation: Luxury Events Host
Who is their type on paper? 'I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing - from scientist to anything - you can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. I love that.
'I don't like when people are doing a job just to make money and then they kind of just live for the weekend. Especially because I work on the weekends.'
Liberty Poole, 21
Name: Liberty Poole
Age: 21
Location: Birmingham
Occupation: Nando's Waitress and Marketing Student
Who is their type on paper? 'So I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky chappy sort of guy.
'But obviously that's always usually combined with player types, which is where I go wrong. So I am trying to change my ways and go for more of a nicer guy that is going to treat me right.'
Hugo Hammond, 24
Name: Hugo Hammond
Age: 24
Location: Hampshire
Occupation: PE Teacher
Who is their type on paper? 'I've been single for a while now. With the current climate, it's been really hard to get back into dating.
'I saw it as an opportunity to have an amazing fun summer and put myself back out there.'
Shannon Singh
Name: Shannon Singh
Age: 22
Location: Fife
Occupation: Glamour model
Who is their type on paper? 'I don't feed off looks, I feed off energy, I need someone with personality. Just someone I can have fun with.
'I'm a party girl, I love going out, I'm very social. For me it's quite hard to find people who are genuine and looking for what you're looking for'
Jake Cornish
Name: Jake Cornish
Age: 24
Location: Weston-super-Mare
Occupation: Water Engineer
Who is their type on paper? 'Looks wise, always gone for blondes. But for me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be loyal to you...
'I've had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why I don't trust anyone. Someone who is loyal really. But when I'm single, I like having a good time!
Kaz Kamwi
Name: Kaz Kamwi
Age: 26
Location: Essex
Occupation: Fashion Blogger
Who is their type on paper? 'I like meeting new people, I'm ready to be in a relationship. Why not be in a place where people are looking for the same things as me?'
Chloe Burrows
Name: Chloe Burrows
Age: 25
Location: Bicester
Occupation: Financial Services Marketing Executive
Who is their type on paper? 'I like a good build. I go to the gym. I want someone who is funny. Really funny and caring and will do nice little things for you.
'And then obviously someone who you can depend on to not ditch you. Because I am quite a big character and quite loud, they would have to be as loud, if not more.
'I could never be with someone who is quiet. Someone that gives you a bit back'
Faye Winter
Name: Faye Winter
Age: 26
Location: Devon
Occupation: Letting Manager
What is her type on paper? 'Someone that will put me in my place. Someone that makes me laugh. But also someone that takes my banter. I’m like a five-year-old in a playground, if I like you, I will make a mockery of you and laugh and joke. That is my really terrible flirting skills. I need someone who can take that.'
Brad McClelland
Name: Brad McClelland
Age: 26
Location: Northumberland
Occupation: Labourer
Who is their type on paper? Sommer Ray from Instagram. Zara McDermott, she's a good-looking lass. Or Megan Fox.
Toby Aromolaran
Name: Toby Aromolaran
Age: 22
Location: Essex
Occupation: Semi-pro footballer
How would he describe himself? 'Optimistic. I always see the bright side in the worst situations. I'm a fun guy when I go on a night out. Responsible guy as well.'
