Prime Video has released a harrowing two-part documentary called The Curse of Love Island on Sunday (July 26), exploring tragedies that shocked the nation. The programme examines the highs and lows of reality television and the struggles contestants face once the cameras stop rolling.
Documentary Examines Tragic Deaths
Featuring accounts from former islanders alongside industry specialists, the documentary explores three high-profile deaths - Caroline Flack, Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon. An official synopsis reads: "Through the stories of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, who died by suicide within two years of each other, The Curse of Love Island examines the impact of reality TV fame in the social media age."
"Featuring contributions from fellow contestants, industry insiders and close friends, the series explores the highs and lows of reality TV, media scrutiny, online abuse, mental health and the pressures of life in the public eye", reports OK!.
Luis Morrison Opens Up About Mike
In the documentary, former Love Islander Luis Morrison, who featured in the inaugural series in 2015 and returned for All Stars in 2024, opened up about his closest friend Mike as he made a heartbreaking confession. Mike Thalassitis took his own life in 2019 at the age of 26.
When questioned about series three, Luis revealed: "I've tried to block out his season as much as I can, because I just don't want to know about it anymore. That's me being completely honest." In the opening episode, Luis explains how Mike sustained a severe injury which ended his football career, before seeking assistance to get onto Love Island. Luis confessed: "I knew straight away Mike was going to get it, 100% Have you seen him? He's unreal."
He went on to say: "He was always like that older brother for me, every day I think about him. He was a part of my life for a long time."
Mike's Nickname and Later Struggles
The documentary explores Mike's time on the programme, when he became dubbed "Muggy Mike", a nickname that stuck with him throughout his subsequent fame. Yet difficulties began to emerge before the star's tragic death.
The second episode addresses Mike's devastating death as best mate Luis remembered discovering the news, saying: "I was driving at the time, I had to pull over, I just couldn't believe it. It's just horrific."
Manager's Emotional Tribute
Mike's manager and close friend Dave Read also said: "When I found out the news I just went in to full shock, I think the first thing I did was sent a WhatsApp to Mike's phone saying 'hello mate how are you?'." He confessed: "I've never felt so overwhelmed and not able to deal with something. It was so difficult."
Dave later added: "In our industry you do become very close with your clients so you're just trying to compose your own emotions. I remember seeing his mum and dad walking behind the coffin and then that was it. That's tough that", before he excused himself from the interview, visibly upset.
ITV's Statement on Duty of Care
ITV issued a statement to Prime Video explaining that due to confidentiality, they could not comment on individual welfare, but confirmed their "duty of care procedures have evolved significantly over time." They went on to say: "We have added elements such as language and behaviour training for participants as well as a social media blackout for the duration of their time on the show. Islanders also maintain contact with welfare producers for a period of 14 months after the show."
The Curse of Love Island can be streamed on Prime Video.
