Love Island’s Jessica Hayes has opened up about her time in the ITV villa and said at times she was at “breaking point”.
The stunning reality star won the first-ever series of the show in 2015 after winning viewers over.
Talking exclusively to the Daily Star on a Facebook Live interview, Jessica opened up about some of her struggles on the show.
READ MORE: Love Island fans turn off Paige Thorne as they brand behaviour towards Danica as ‘sly’
Jessica claimed: “The hardest part I think for me was I was treated quite unfairly in there by a lot of the guys.
“I just remember at points I really hit rock bottom in there for the way I was treated by some people there was a lot of ganging up and I was called this and I was that and I remember certain people were sent in to rattle me.
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
“That happened a couple of times and that might have made good TV but that was hard I don’t think anyone else in there went through that and there were times when I wanted to leave.”
She continued: “Still to this day and I get comments from people who are watching it now years have gone by and people DM saying you were so unfairly treated by some of the boys and stuff and you wouldn’t get away with it now.
“They would be kicked out if someone does something nowadays, they would be kicked out.”
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Jessica also explained the struggles she face post-show and the impact of short-lived fame.
She explained: “I think afterwards you are put into fame full-pelt and the journey afterwards is very up and down and I bet so many people can say the same thing.
“Cara and Nathan said how time goes on there’s new series and you’re gotten about and left to deal with this fame and it’s a bit of a rollercoaster and I know there’s a lot more support now but you have to be mentally very strong to get into the limelight anyway because it can be a horrible place.”
Jessica won the first series alongside Max Morley – however, the pair broke up shortly after the show ended as he admitted to “playing around”.
ITV’s Duty of care protocol while filming is underway is as follows: “Registered mental health professional engaged throughout the whole series – from pre-filming to aftercare.
“Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander’s own GP to check medical history.
(Image: ITV)
“Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose in confidence 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.
“Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear.
“Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them.
“Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid. A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
