Prime Video's two-part documentary The Curse of Love Island arrived just hours before the final of Love Island 2026 on Monday July 27. The series examines the darker side of reality TV fame, focusing on former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, who both died by suicide after appearing on the show.
What the Documentary Covers
Rather than focusing on events inside the villa, the documentary explores what happens after islanders leave. The 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."
Sophie Gradon, who appeared on Love Island in 2016, was found dead at her parents' house in Medburn in summer 2018. An inquest found she died by suicide after taking cocaine and alcohol. Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong also died by suicide weeks later. Steven Douglass, Sophie's childhood friend, says in the documentary: "With the rise of fame, came the rise of the trolls. I think being in the industry she was in could cause some anxious feelings, mental health issues… And this wouldn't have happened if she hadn't been on the show."
Mike Thalassitis and ITV's Response
Former footballer Mike Thalassitis, who was on the 2017 series, was found dead at age 26 in a London park in March 2019. The North London Coroner's Court concluded his cause of death was suicide by hanging.
At the end of the documentary, ITV responded via end-cards: "ITV said that due to confidentiality they cannot comment on specific steps taken in relation to individuals' welfare, but they do not recognise claims that Sophie looked to them to provide psychological support and 'she wasn't getting anywhere with them.' ITV confirmed that their duty of care procedures have 'evolved significantly over time - 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.' ITV has worked with medical professionals when reviewing their welfare procedures and they maintain proactive contact with islanders for a period of 14 months after the series has ended with additional help provided where needed. ITV referred to positive comments from other former Love Islanders across multiple series praising the welfare support provided before, during and after their time on the programme."
Featured Contributors
The documentary features interviews with: Anton Danyluk, former Love Island contestant; Luis Morrison, former Islander and childhood friend of Mike Thalassitis; Malin Andersson, who appeared alongside Sophie Gradon on Season 2; Marcel Somerville, who became friends with Mike Thalassitis during the show; Orlaith Condon, entertainment journalist and host of the My Pod On Paper podcast; Dr Linda Papadopoulos, psychologist; Dave Read, Mike Thalassitis' former manager; Steven Douglass, Sophie Gradon's childhood friend; Paula Akpan, journalist and author; and Caroline Frost, journalist and commentator.
The final of Love Island 2026 saw four couples vying for the £50,000 prize: Lorenzo Alessi and Julia Majchrzak, Kavan Murphy and Jasmine Muller, Simba Kudyiwa and Angelista Gunda, and Tommy Stagg and Yasmin Hadlow. Mica Harris and Samraj Toor were eliminated on July 26 and had to choose one other couple to leave with them, leaving only three couples in the final.
