Former Love Islander Zara Holland Says Her Time On The Show Left Her With Depression And Anxiety

Former Love Island contestant Zara Holland has hit out at the producers of the show after the death of her co-star and friend Sophie Gradon.

The 22-year old, who appeared on the show in 2016, says she received no support from the producers after leaving the villa, and that her time on the show severely impacted her mental health.

Zara was very publicly stripped of her Miss Great Britain title after having sex with one of the other contestants, and admits she is still “haunted” by the repercussions.

Speaking to The Sun, she said: “I changed as a person, I didn’t want to go out or socialise, I came out of Love Island and they didn’t contact me.”

“Love Island called me for the first time in two years on Thursday to ask if I was OK, funny they call me now when something ­terrible has happened,” she revealed.

“People applying need to know how serious things can be, 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.”

After her time in the villa, Zara realised she was unhappy and sought professional help, saying she’s currently on anti-depressants.

“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,” she said.

Three months ago, Zara was interviewed alongside Sophie, discussing the negative affects of social media and how internet trolls have impacted on their lives.

Following Sophie’s death, a spokesperson for Love Island told MailOnline:

All of our islanders are offered psychological support before, during and after their time in the villa. We take our duty of care very seriously and this is always our top priority.

Sophie’s cause of death is currently unconfirmed, but police are not treating it as suspicious.

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• love island