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X Factor winner Matt Terry reveals effects of fame on mental health amid Michael Thalassitis' death

13:41, 18 March 2019

updated: 14:04, 18 March 2019

The Health Secretary has voiced concerns about support offered to reality TV stars following the death of former Love Island contestant Michael Thalassitis.

Matt Hancock said reality TV shows have a duty of care to contestants after ex-Margate and Ebbsfleet United footballer Mr Thalassitis was found dead in woods at the weekend.

He added he is very worried about what mental health support is available.

Love Island star Mike Thalassitis was found dead at the weekend
Love Island star Mike Thalassitis was found dead at the weekend

In June last year, Sophie Gradon - who appeared in the 2016 series of the show - died at her home in Northumberland.

Following Thalassitis' death, former X Factor winner Matt Terry, whose family live in Maidstone, revealed the toll fame took on his own mental health.

The 25-year-old, who won X Factor in 2016, told his 124,000 followers, he had to sleep next to his mum just to get to some sleep.

Speaking about mental health, he said: "I guess there is a pattern when it comes to reality TV and young men and women.

"It's quite hard to deal with the pressure and the expectation and the sudden opinion of the world on how you deal with things."

Mr Terry said he struggled with mental health problems for "quite along time".

He said: "As a 25-year-old man, I had to have my mum sometimes come and sleep with me so that I could get a few hours sleep to get by.

"I feel like it was thanks to reaching and relying on people I knew would be there for me and could help that made a difference.

"There is a way out and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I say that from experience."

In his video to followers, Matt Terry said: "Please speak out, please talk to anyone you can whether it be your friend, family or a therapist.

"The second you open your mouth you will feel a difference.

"It's okay to feel low, everybody does. But it's how you deal with it that makes a difference."

Matt Terry, whose family are from Maidstone, has spoken about his mental health struggle
Matt Terry, whose family are from Maidstone, has spoken about his mental health struggle

If you are struggling, please call Samaritans on 116 123.

Kent County Council's Release the Pressure Campaign is also on hand to help, click here for more details.

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