'We struggle to articulate our feelings': Love Island's Iain Stirling says his generation were raised 'not to talk about mental health' as he launches sitcom to tackle loss and grief
Iain Stirling has said his generation - in particular men - were raised not to talk about mental health and are only just learning how to communicate feelings of loss and grief, as he discussed his new sitcom, Buffering, on Friday.
The new ITV series, starring and written by the Love Island voiceover host, 33, explores the uncertainties experienced by young adults living in modern England.
Appearing on Loose Women to discuss the show, Iain reflected on the struggles his peers face when confronting their emotions as he applauded the ladies for launching Loose Men, a male panellist TV programme which he also featured on.
Real: Love Island's Iain Stirling has said his generation - in particular men - were raised not to talk about mental health as he discussed his new sitcom, Buffering, on Loose Women on Friday
Connecting via video call, he said: 'ITV2 have been so brilliant and we've written this sitcom.
'It's always about being funny, but it's about this generation in their late 20s, when you feel too young to get married and settle down, but you haven't got enough money for a mortgage and you're stuck in this in between part.
'And you're brought up where you didn't talk about things like mental health and people go through loss and difficult matters.
'We're only now learning the language to deal with that and communicate that, particularly in men, and that is dealt with in the sitcom.
Premise: The new ITV series (pictured), starring and written by the Love Island presenter, 33, explores the uncertainties experienced by young adults living in modern England
Praise: Appearing on Loose Women to discuss the show, Iain reflected on the struggles his peers face confronting their emotions as he applauded the ladies for launching Loose Men
'It is about someone coming to terms with loss and grief in their life and how they can articulate that to other people, which we as a generation have really struggled to do for years, but we are getting better at it.
'But more importantly it is funny! I promise you it is funny,' he added.
The six-part series features Iain playing himself in his twenties and the 'daily challenges of millennial living'.
It also details his complicated romance with a TV producer (portrayed by Elena Saurel) and his relationships with flatmates Rosie, Greg, Thalia, Ashley and her ex-boyfriend Robbie.
The sitcom airs on ITV2 in August and in the meantime, Iain will resume his narrating duties on the upcoming series of Love Island.
Candid: He said: 'You're brought up where you didn't talk about things like mental health and people go through loss and difficult matters'
![Hope: Iain added: 'It [Buffering] is about someone coming to terms with loss and grief in their life and how they can articulate that to other people, which we as a generation have really struggled to do for years'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/25/17/44679441-9725921-image-a-7_1624636882955.jpg)
Hope: Iain added: 'It [Buffering] is about someone coming to terms with loss and grief in their life and how they can articulate that to other people, which we as a generation have really struggled to do for years'
The TV presenter also appeared on an ITV special called Loose Men in May to honour International Men's Day.
He joined the panel alongside Marvin Humes, Roman Kemp and Ronan Keating to discuss the day's topical issues, and they were also joined by A-list actor Matthew McConaughey, as a guest.
'Genuinely and I'm not just saying it, it was a real honour to be on that show,' said Iain.
'Firstly for the Loose Women to give up that platform where men have had the floor for such a long time, to give men a platform and be so supportive shows how incredible women are.
'And it felt so special doing a show which felt so current and important, and I made some genuine friends. I've got Ronan Keating's number can you believe it!'
Back to business: The sitcom airs on ITV2 in August and in the meantime, Iain will resume his narrating duties on the upcoming series of Love Island
Love: Iain is married to Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore
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.
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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.'
