Former Love Island star and medical guru Dr Alex George has issued a stark warning for this year’s contestants ahead of their entry into the villa.
Alex starred in the show back in 2018, and had a few useful bits of advice for the upcoming stars.
Speaking to The Express, Alex warned them that it’s important not to get carried away after they’re skyrocketed to fame after appearing on the hit reality show.
It comes only hours before series seven is set to premiere on ITV2 on Monday.
Alex told the publication that the programme alone might not be enough to guarantee a huge social media following, which can help contestants to make money through brand deals and sponsorships afterwards.
(Image: dralexgeorge/Instagram)
“I think go in for the right reasons and don’t underestimate what it can be like coming out,” he said.
“Don’t leave a good job if you can’t go back to it, that would be the one bit of advice I would give anyone – be sure you can go back to your job.”
The star added: “I knew I could always go back. With some careers, people don’t feel comfortable going back, that creates problems.”
(Image: Dr Alex George/Instagram)
Alex went on: “I think it’s very important to have that grounding, not to get carried away.”
Though he didn’t manage to find lasting love while in the villa himself, Alex’s career has gone from strength to strength.
He’s been campaigning for positive mental health and shares informative health advice on his social media after returning to his job as a doctor.
He was even named Youth Mental Health Ambassador after a meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this year.
(Image: ITV)
After the devastating death of his brother Llŷr in 2020, Alex urged the government to help young people suffering from various mental health issues, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Outside of that, Alex also runs his own health-based podcast – The Waiting Room with Dr Alex.
The star told The Express about the challenges of being in the villa which could impact contestants’ mental health, explaining that they will “face criticism” and not going into the experience naively is hugely important.
According to The Sun, all the contestants have undergone several rounds of mental health checks this year, which comes after former contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, along with host Caroline Flack, took their own lives.
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A source told the publication: “ITV puts the welfare of its Love Island stars front and centre and this year’s checks were the most extensive ever carried out.
“Producers are mindful that this series is also set to be the most watched because more people are watching TV during lockdown than ever.
“That’s why the tests have been ramped up and a lot of help and support is being put in place.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
