Piers Morgan mocks Love Island mental health protocols as he gives his own advice to ‘dim wit’ contestants

Piers Morgan has slammed Love Island’s duty of care protocols for the upcoming series, labelling contestants as ‘dimwits’.

The ITV2 dating show is returning for its seventh series later this month, after a year hiatus due to the pandemic. 

Show producers confirmed the protocols for the upcoming series, including training on the impacts of social media and ‘comprehensive psychological support’.

Concerns have been expressed in recent years about the mental health of islanders, who are often subjected to trolling and ridicule after leaving the island.

After two former contestants – Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis – took their own lives years after participating on Love Island, there were calls for more assistance for the cast.

Then, in February 2020, host Caroline Flack died by suicide aged 40.

Piers took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the new protocols.

‘My advice would be much simpler to any prospective Love Island contestants: if you can’t stand the heat, don’t go into the kitchen,’ he wrote.

‘Nobody’s forcing these people to go on TV and cavort around in no clothes having sex with like-minded dimwits.’

This isn’t the first time Piers has spoken against those who choose to go on the dating show.

Last year he branded Love Island participants ‘brain-dead zombies’ as he ripped into Ched Uzor on a previous episode of Good Morning Britain.

The no-nonsense presenter was bemused as he watched a clip of Ched attempting to tell Jess what he liked about her from an episode from last year’s series, and wasted no time in mocking the 2020 contingent.

‘Even though they speak this completely idiotic language… she immediately knew exactly what she meant,’ Piers scoffed.

Piers then proceeded to mock Ched by imitating him and repeatedly saying the words ‘blonde’ and ‘like’.

When asked whether Jess and Ched are together, he responded: ‘Who cares? He can’t even get a sentence together let alone getting together.

‘I mean seriously, I call them brain-dead zombies for a reason.’

ITV confirmed registered mental health professionals will be on hand for islanders, who will also be subject to psychological and medical assessments. This includes assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each islander’s own GP to check medical history.

Potential islanders are required to fully disclose any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the villa and the production’s ability to provide a suitable environment for them.

A welfare team will be dedicated to contestants both during the show and after, while the team on the ground in Majorca have received training in mental health first aid.

After the show, contestants will be offered a minimum of eight therapy sessions when they return home, and ITV will remain in ‘proactive contact’ with islanders for 14 months after the series, ‘with additional help provided where applicable’.

islanders will also be offered training on dealing with social media, finances, adjusting to life back home and securing management.

Love Island will return to ITV2 on June 28. 

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Love Island 2021 start date confirmed as show returns to Spain this summer

MORE : Love Island 2021: Cast ‘quarantining in Spain’ ahead of new series launch