Love Island: Counselling offered to contestants’ families by ITV

'ITV are always in touch when something significant is going to air on the show that they feel might concern you'

Curtis Pritchard in the diary room (ITV/Love Island)

The family members of contestants on this year’s series of Love Island are being offered counselling, ITV2 has confirmed.

The revelation comes after Curtis Pritchard’s father, Adrian, told The Daily Star that he and the rest of his family had been offered therapy by the channel should they feel affected by what they see on the reality TV programme.

“Counselling is on offer to us whenever we need it,” he said. “There have been tough moments for us since Curtis went into the villa, but we can just ring for support at any time.

“The people at ITV say to us, ‘If there’s anything that’s worrying you, ring us, whatever the problem might be’.”

Adrian went on to praise the channel for its ongoing support.

“I don’t think the general public are aware, but ITV are always in touch when something significant is going to air on the show that they feel might concern you,” he added.

A spokesperson for ITV confirmed that support is “always” there for those who need it.

“We have always ensured that the families of Islanders have the contact details of key members of our production team and there is always an open line of communication. We have always offered support to families where appropriate and when requested," they said.

Love Island’s duty of care processes have been under scrutiny in recent months following the deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, both of whom took their own lives.

Prior to the current season of Love Island, which began on 3 June, ITV2 revealed it had revamped its aftercare package and would be offering contestants a minimum of eight therapy sessions following their appearance on the show. Additionally, Islanders have access to a psychological consultant throughout the series. You can read more about the new duty of care here.

Love Island contestant Amy Hart, who left the series last week, recently revealed she sought therapy 12 times while on the programme.

Hart, who broke up with Pritchard prior to her departure, told OK! Magazine that she chose to prioritise “her mental health over the reality show”.

“I had therapy 12 times in the villa – but I’ve come out stronger,” the 26-year-old added. “I deserve a man who loves me for who I am.”