Pete Wicks reveals he has been supporting Megan McKenna in the wake of Mike Thalassitis' death and warns future reality TV stars to assess the risks of fame

Pete Wicks has told how he has been supporting former girlfriend Megan McKenna in the wake of the tragic death of Mike Thalassitis.

The Celebs Go Dating star, 30, who was previously in a relationship with Megan, 26, said Mike's passing has been a 'shock' for all his family and friends.

While Pete admits he and Megan were 'toxic' as boyfriend and girlfriend, he pointed out they are still close and he will always be there for her if she needs him. 

He told The Mirror: 'She's a lovely person. I might not be the best boyfriend but I’m a good friend. Whatever she needs, I’m there.'

Pete and Megan dating from 2016 to 2017 while Megan later dated Mike, 26, for seven months last year.  

Mike's body was found in a parkland in Edmonton, London on March 15 while nine months ago, fellow Love Island star Sophie Gradon, 32, also died of an apparent suicide.

Pete believes it is the duty of TV bosses to offer appropriate aftercare for people participating in reality shows.

He said: 'Irrespective of whether you’re on telly or not every workplace has got a duty to ensure that people are in a good place - well-being should be a priority.'

The TV star added anyone considering taking part in a reality show should assess the risks of doing so beforehand.

He said: 'What we do is a job, people forget that. I think people need to assess whether they can deal with the pressures that come with it.' 

Love Island producers recently released a statement saying they are overhauling their aftercare policy.

They said they will ensure contestants are offered support before, during and after their time on the series. 

Outlining the process, they said: 'When the time comes for each Islander to leave the show, our aftercare process kicks in. 

'Every Islander has a series of debrief meetings on location with the executive team and the medical team, including the psychological consultant.

'After this, they are told how to access after care support as well as information on seeking professional representation.

'They also meet with the press team the day after leaving the villa and are briefed and advised on their press coverage whilst in the villa. We have had requests for help from former Islanders, and have provided this.'

Bosses then confirmed that they would be making changes to their policy to ensure that participants were better equipped to handle their newfound fame, including training in social media and finances.

They also explained that it would be a compulsory for all former contestants to be contacted regularly to check in, whether it is asked for or not.

Jess Shears, who also starred on the show, spoke about aftercare in a series of tweets.

Upon learning of Mike's passing, she wrote: 'In complete shock, was lucky enough to get to know Mike, he was the loveliest guy. My heart breaks for his family.

'Shows offer you 'support' but realistically it's only while you are in their care. Minute you get home & are no longer making them money it's out of sight out of mind.

'There should be ongoing support & also financial advice. Life after these shows isn't all it's cracked up to be.'

A spokesperson for Love Island said at the time: 'All of our islanders are offered psychological support before, during and after their time in the villa. We take our duty of care very seriously and this is always our top priority.'

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