Ellisha-Jade White, a former contestant on the reality television show Love Island, has spoken out about the significant psychological toll the experience took on her life. White, who appeared on the show's third season in 2017, claims she was unprepared for the aftermath and received inadequate support from producers after being eliminated early in the competition. She states that the experience triggered a debilitating battle with agoraphobia and severe anxiety, which has impacted her life for years.
White, then 22, was recruited by ITV producers who she says promised the show would help launch her broadcasting career and lead to fame. "The dark truth is that nobody prepares you for the aftermath," White told the Daily Mail. "These production companies do not educate young, naive contestants on the psychological cost of the reality-TV meat-grinder."
She described feeling like a "guinea pig" for the show's first "Casa Amor" twist, a segment where contestants are moved to separate villas with new singles. White stated that she was not informed about this twist and expected to enter the main villa, only to be sent home after a few days with £200 in compensation and no further support. "I don’t feel we were paid enough - just £200 in compensation for the ten days I was away," she said.
Upon returning to her normal life, White experienced a severe decline in her mental health. "You feel like you should be rich and glamorous, but you are thrown back into the real world with nothing," she explained. The sudden transition and perceived lack of success, compared to other contestants who gained significant social media followings and career opportunities, led to debilitating anxiety attacks. "The emotional burden of that transition was deeply traumatic. The sudden crash caused severe anxiety which eventually manifested as agoraphobia."
White's struggles are not isolated. Love Island has faced criticism for its aftercare practices, particularly following the suicides of three former contestants: Mike Thalassitis, Sophie Gradon, and Paul Danan. A new documentary on Amazon Prime Video is set to revisit the tragic stories of former contestants who have died.
In response to public concern, ITV has expanded its aftercare program for Love Island contestants. This support now includes psychological assessments, therapy sessions, and extended post-show support. White, who is now pursuing a degree in psychology and works in PR and social media management, aims to warn young people about the potential pitfalls of seeking fame through reality television. "Reality TV isn't a shortcut to a life of luxury," she cautioned. "For most of us, it’s just a long, painful road back to normal."