The Curse of Love Island: Shocking truth behind reality show's darkest chapter as Prime documentary explores three tragic deaths
Three stars linked to the show died within three years of each otherThe Curse of Love Island will examine the dark side of Love Island, focusing on three tragic deaths that have rocked the show.
Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon both died from suicide following their high profile stints in the Love Island villa.
The show’s host Caroline Flack then later took her own life.
New documentary The Curse of Love Island reflects on the trio’s untimely deaths, while hearing from former islanders about their own experiences.
They will open up about their own highs and lows of finding fame in the age of often very bitter social media.
Viewers will also hear from industry experts and psychologists about what impact being on such a high profile reality series can have on a person.
The Curse of Love Island on Prime Video
Prime Video’s new documentary will revisit Love Island’s darkest chapter. The show launched in June 2015, with 12 singletons excitedly hoping for a summer of fun and love.
But over the years, many constants have struggled after leaving the villa. Hoping for fame and fortune, they’ve instead faced online abuse, trolling, financial difficulties and the pressures of constant scrutiny.
The Curse of Love Island will hear from former islanders including Malin Andersson, Anton Danyluk, Luis Morrison and Marcel Somerville.
Those who knew them will also share their fond memories of Mike and Sophie, along with their grief over their deaths.
The pair died within one year of each other. Sophie was found dead in June 2018, while Mike – who was landed with the name ‘Muggy Mike’ after appearing on Love Island – took his own life in March 2019.
Sophie’s childhood friend, Steven Douglass, will also appear in the documentary.
Steven recalls meeting up with Sophie a week before the former Miss Great Britain died. It came after he had a concerning conversation with her over text.
Steven says Sophie’s “spark was gone”, before hauntingly adding: “I wish she never did that show.”
Love Island host Caroline Flack tragically died in February 2020.
When does The Curse of Love Island land? How many episodes?
A description of Prime Video’s new documentary reads: “Through the stories of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, who died by suicide within two years of each other, The Curse of Love Island examines the impact of reality TV fame in the social media age.
“Featuring contributions from fellow contestants, industry insiders and close friends, the series explores the highs and lows of reality TV, media scrutiny, online abuse, mental health and the pressures of life in the public eye.”
The documentary has two episodes, each lasting 50 minutes. Both episodes will drop onto Prime Video on Sunday July 26, 2026.
