The Only Way is Essex bosses are offering 24/7 access to a psychologist for the show's cast following the death of Love Island star Mike Thalassitis.
A hot debate has ignited ever since Mike's passing earlier this month, with many individuals from the reality TV world calling out for improved aftercare from producers.
Speaking to The Mirror, TOWIE's Sam Mucklow revealed how mental health workers are on standby for all the stars' needs.
"TOWIE’s producers are really conscious to make sure we are looked after and all OK," he explained.
"We all have the psychologist's number. He has told all the cast to WhatsApp, call or text him at any time day or night. I've not needed to yet but all the cast know he is available 24/7 for them."
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Related: Love Island announces "proactive" changes to aftercare for its stars after Mike Thalassitis' death
Following Mike's death, ITV told Digital Spy that its aftercare should be an "evolving process" and noted it had hired physician Dr Paul Litchfield to review its protocol internally six months ago.
ITV said: "Our duty of care is a continuous and ongoing process for each Islander. This follows three key stages; pre-filming, filming, and aftercare.
"We work with both an independent GP and a psychological consultant to provide an assessment of the physical and mental health of each of the shortlisted cast members and their suitability for inclusion on the programme."
Meanwhile, fellow TOWIE cast member Liam 'Gatsby' Blackwell has discussed the tragic loss of Mike, who he considered a friend.
"He was actually a friend of mine. I last messaged him on his birthday and we were arranging to go out. But he did say he wanted to chill from the party life for a bit," he said.
"He did say it was getting a bit much for him and he didn't want to go out drinking. It is a sore subject for me.
"It has been playing on my mind since he passed away. It hasn't sunk in yet. It is really horrible and it has been upsetting for me. He was a lovely boy and it is horrible that it had to come to that."
Liam then suggested there had been rumours about Mike potentially joining the TOWIE squad, adding: "He might have been here now."
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org), and Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
