Zara Holland warns wannabe Love Island stars of dangers in wake of Sophie Gradon’s death: ‘You’ll be haunted for life’

Holland said she was left on anti-depressants after leaving the Spanish villa
Speaking out: Zara Holland has criticised the show
Ken McKay/ITV/Rex
Emma Powell25 June 2018
The Weekender

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Former Love Island star Zara Holland has warned of the dangers of starring on the popular reality TV show, saying her experience left her with anxiety and needing to take anti-depressants.

Holland spoke out in the wake of the death of fellow contestant Sophie Gradon, who died aged 32 last week.

Holland, who was famously stripped of her Miss Great Britain title after she had sex with Alex Bowen on the 2016 series, warned wannabe contestants that the experience will ‘haunt them forever’.

“People applying need to know how serious things can be,” she told The Sun.

Troubled: Zara Holland said Love Island changed her as a person
Joel Anderson/ITV

“They see a claim to fame, they don’t see that in ten years’ time, when you’re married with babies, you’ll still be haunted for the rest of your life.

“I was upset all the time and couldn’t stop crying. I was having bad anxiety too. I had this shame and guilt I couldn’t get over.”

Holland, who said she “changed as a person”, claimed show bosses contacted her to check on her wellbeing for the first time since leaving the Mallorcan villa after news of Gradon’s death broke last Thursday.

“I came out of Love Island and they didn’t contact me,” she said. “I didn’t hear from anyone. Love Island called me for the first time in two years on Thursday to ask if I was OK.

Tragedy: Sophie Gradon died last week, two years after starring alongside Zara Holland on Love Island
Joel Anderson/ITV

“Funny they call me now when something terrible has happened.”

ITV2 said in a statement: “All islanders are offered psychological support before, during and after their time in the villa. We take our duty of care very seriously.”

Love Island 2018: Series 4 - In pictures

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Gradon was found dead at her home last Wednesday. Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong broke the news on Facebook with an emotional message to his “baby”.

Former Love Island stars voiced their “shock” and “heartbreak” online including host Caroline Flack who also paid tribute on spin off show Aftersun.

Speaking on Sunday night’s show she said: “Tragically this week, we lost a beautiful soul in Sophie Gradon.

“She was a gorgeous person both inside and out and everyone’s thoughts here at Love Island are with Sophie’s friends and family at this terrible time.

“Sophie, we’ll never forget you.”

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