Love Island’s Matthew MacNabb Opens Up About Friend’s Death Ahead Of Entering The Villa

Love Island’s Matthew MacNabb has shared an emotional post to social media as he reveals he was grieving the loss of his friend whilst he was on the show.

Just a fortnight before he went into the villa Matthew shared that his friend passed away. Speaking about how this impacted his experience on the show he said; “My life has been crazy the past few months. From one of my best friends passing away two weeks before Love Island, to entering the villa and experiencing all that came with it.”

“I’m not going to lie, the first week in the villa I struggled a lot. I was thinking of my friend and wanted my loved ones around me. Meanwhile, I was wanting to be my usual happy, positive self to really show who I was.”

 

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A post shared by Matthew MacNabb (@matthew_macnabb)

However, throughout his time in the villa the 26-year-old, from Down, shared that producers on the show made sure he got all the help and support he needed; “I haven’t told anyone this, but I met with the psychologist when I was in the villa and cried for a solid hour.”

“She helped me so much and made me realise that this life is an adventure and with any adventure, there are ups and there are downs. However, that is the journey and as long as you realise that, you will be okay. So embrace it, be present, be grateful and you will start to live your adventure to the best of your ability.”

Continuing he added; “This life is an amazing story and you are the main character in it. Live without fear, go for what you want, because someday the story will end, so make it epic.”

 

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A post shared by Matthew MacNabb (@matthew_macnabb)

Finally he shared how grateful he is to the Love Island team for their support and urged others to seek out help if they need it; “I just want to thank @itv2 and @loveisland for being so supportive and amazing throughout. You are an amazing group of people.”

Matthew left the villa last week after being brutally dumped by fellow contestant Priya Gopaldas.

Revealing how his mental health was whilst being on the show is a perfect example of not knowing what’s really going on in someone’s personal life, especially when they’re in the public eye. Fairplay to Matthew for speaking so openly about it!

• Love Island 2021
• Matthew MacNabb