Celebs mourn Love Island star Mike
17 March 2019, 11:35 | Updated: 21 March 2019, 08:43
Love Island presenter Caroline Flack and actress Sheridan Smith lead the tributes to reality star Mike Thalassitis after his shock death yesterday.
The 26-year-old, who starred in the 2017 series of the show, was found dead in woodland in North London.
The Metropolitan police have now confirmed Mike was found hanged in a park in Edmonton.
READ MORE: Love Island criticised after contestant's death at 26
It's believed he was struggling to cope with the recent death of his grandmother. His close friend Danny Cutts also passed away in December.
Bafta award-winning actress Sheridan Smith also reacted to the shock news on social media, urging people to reach out to even their most confident friends.
This should be a massive wake up call, I feel sick, reach out, sometimes to the most confident friend šš¼ we can only learn & try to change šš¼ā¤ļø https://t.co/L2fsYx1d6A
— Sheridan Smith (@Sheridansmith1) March 16, 2019
Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison also called the former footballer a 'beautiful soul'.
I just realised we have no pictures together- Iām sorry, I do not even know what to say. š
— Vicky Pattison (@VickyPattison) March 16, 2019
You werenāt the person people thought you were mike- you were a beautiful soul and always madeā¦ https://t.co/BYvMGmLGwp
Mike's 2017 Love Island co-star and good friend Montana Brown has written a lengthy tribute on Instagram, admitting she is 'crushed' and 'heartbroken' by his sudden death.
She revealed she knew he was in a dark place a few months ago but thought he was now back on track.
Montana wrote: "Mike, you were so thoughtful, caring and loyal to me and all your friends, you know some of my darkest secrets and I know yours.
"I could always rely on you to tell me when I'm being a nut job to Elliott and tell me to get off his case and I always told you to stop partying too much and getting too p***ed.
Itās the papers too. And at the time you think there is no way out and no way to move on with life. I attempted suicide because of the newspapers and lack of support I got post towie. Something has to change, this is wrong. They have a moral duty to support cast members. https://t.co/EZYLj77MeW
— Maria Fowler (@MariaFowler) March 16, 2019
"I just wish people had a tiny glimpse of what the real you was like,' wrote Montana, before giving her followers an insight into his kind and caring character, and revealing that recently he had been in a 'dark place'.
She continued: "You sent me a Christmas card in the post this year, you checked up on me everyday at the beginning of this year when I was struggling myself, you really were the kindest, sweetest person and I am so devastated and crushed that I'll never get to see you again.
"Now I know you were in a dark place a few months back and I thought you were past it and that you were on the up."
A string of other former Love Island stars also paid tribute to Mike and slammed the show for not offering enough support to contestants when the show ends.
They believe they are suddenly thrust into the limelight and not prepared.
Malin Andersson, who is also mourning the death of her newborn baby, said the show sent her flowers after her loss but no personal phone call.
WAKE UP @LoveIsland !!!!
— Malin Andersson (@MissMalinSara) March 16, 2019
Shows offer you āsupportā but realistically itās only while you are in their care. Minute you get home & are no longer making them money itās out of sight out of mind. There should be ongoing support & also finacial advice. Life after these shows isnāt all itās cracked up to be.
— Jessica (@Jessica_Rose_UK) March 16, 2019
His name wasnāt Muggy Mike. Please stop brandishing that. His name was Mike Thalassitis, and every inch of my heart goes out to his family & friends. A good guy, taken far, far to soon. š
— Chris Hughes (@chrishughes_22) March 16, 2019
Before appearing on the third series of Love Island Mike had a successful career as a League Two footballer.
He had recently split with his fellow reality star girlfriend of seven months Megan McKenna who he met on TV show Celebs Go Dating and was working on the opening of a restaurant in Essex.
Fans have rushed online to express their shock at the news, with many saying the show should be cancelled.
Last year another former contestant, Sophie Gradon, was tragically found dead at her Gateshead home in a suspected suicide.
Her mother today paid tribute to Mike after the news emerged this morning that Mike had tragically taken his own life.
To #MikeThalassitis and his bereft Family.
— Anastacia Beverhousn (@MommaDebs) March 16, 2019
Thinking of you, wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. Love in your darkest hours. š
I'm walking the same road as the inconsolabe Mother of #SophieGradon