Love Island’s Mike Thalassitis has been found dead at the age of 26.
Mike starred in the 2017 series of the show, hoping to find love in the villa along with his fellow contestants.
However, news broke today the reality star was found dead in woods near his Essex home yesterday (March 15).
ITVBorn in Edmonton, Mike was also a semi-pro footballer, playing for a range of teams including St Albans and Chelmsford.
After achieving fame in the Love Island villa, Mike appeared on the fourth series of Celebs Go Dating alongside Gemma Collins, London Hughes and Sam Thompson.
Shortly after the news broke, fellow stars of the show took to social media to express their condolences.
Chris Hughes, who appeared on Love Island in the same year as Mike, wrote:
His name wasn’t 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.
His name wasn’t 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. 💔
— Chris Hughes (@chrishughes_22) March 16, 2019
Olivia Bowen Buckland re-tweeted Chris’s tweet, before writing a tribute of her own:
His name is Mike Thalassitis. All the articles how dare you not use his real name. This is horrendous. I’m in shock.
Mike you are going to be sorely sorely missed. My heart is with your family. I’m in complete shock
His name is Mike Thalassitis. All the articles how dare you not use his real name. This is horrendous. I’m in shock. Mike you are going to be sorely sorely missed. My heart is with your family. I’m in complete shock ❤️
— Olivia Bowen Buckland (@OliviaDBuck) March 16, 2019
Mike’s death is the second tragedy for the reality show, following the death of Sophie Gradon last year.
His cause of death is not yet known.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
A Broadcast Journalism Masters graduate who went on to achieve an NCTJ level 3 Diploma in Journalism, Lucy has done stints at ITV, BBC Inside Out and Key 103. While working as a journalist for UNILAD, Lucy has reported on breaking news stories while also writing features about mental health, cervical screening awareness, and Little Mix (who she is unapologetically obsessed with).