LOVE Island's Amber Davies has defended the show's aftercare, saying: "No one holds a gun to your head" to sign up.
The 2017 champion argued that contestants should be prepared for their life to change dramatically – and thinks this year's bunch are the most fame-hungry yet.
"It's inevitable when they go in they are signing up for fame," Amber told Lorraine Kelly this morning.
"They know what kind of money they'll be coming out to.
"I can't speak for everyone else but my personal experience of aftercare was amazing.
"However, you do sign up for it yourself. No one is holding a gun to your head to sign up to it."
The ITV2 dating show host Caroline Flack said she was "really, really angry" that Love Island was blamed for the death of Mike Thaslassitis, 26.
He was found dead in a park after a secret battle with depression.
After public outcry, Love Island bosses have beefed up their aftercare plan offering duty of care before, during and after the show.
Amber – who is now starring in Dolly Parton's musical 9 to 5 – admits that times can get tough after the show, but insists those signing up should be prepared.
She said: "It looked like we're living the dream, leading this glamorous life, but it's not always like that.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others.
You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
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- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
"Jobs are very slim for Love Island stars at the moment. And the more popular Love Island gets the fewer jobs there will be.
"Your life does change dramatically."
Giving her thoughts about what the new islanders are like, Amber added: "They're a lot sassier this year.
"I think there will be a lot more arguments."
Viewers have accused ITV of hypocrisy for going ahead with the new series launch of Love Island, despite losing two ex-contestants to suicide in one year.
Series two star Sophie Gradon, 32, took her own life after taking a cocktail of booze and cocaine, an inquest heard.
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