One thing ITV bosses always ask Love Islanders to do when on the show

Love Island is back in full swing and singletons have entered the iconic villa with a chance of finding love. The experience has been broadcast on ITV for years now and has produced some household names.

However, like all reality shows that thrust 'ordinary' people into the spotlight suddenly, it can be an overwhelming experience that takes a mental toll on contestants who aren't prepared or supported. Series 5 Islander Amy Hart shared with Platinum Spas how she was one of the many ITV show contestants who felt supported.

Amy said the production team works hard to ensure the islanders are both physically and mentally well during their time in the villa. That support continues outside the show as well because the newfound fame and attention can often become overwhelming.

There is one thing that Love Island staff make sure is a top priority as the couples bask in the sunshine. Amy said: "So, they're really on you with things like drinking water, and obviously you’re in the sun all day, so they remind you to fill your bottles up and stuff.

"I'm really bad at drinking water. I am a full-fat coke kind of gal, but I'm trying to drink more water. I've moved on to Prime now because it's supposed to be hydrating."

She also went into detail about how the production includes an on-site welfare team that is available the whole time you’re in the villa. Recalling her experience Amy said: "They have a list and they go through with every single person, like, “How are you feeling? Is anything upsetting you? Can I support you in any way?

"When I was going through my really bad time, they'd come and get into bed with me at lunchtime and give me a cuddle.

"Then you also have the psych team, who are available at any time. They have sort of an appointment book, so you can book in with the psych.

"At Love Island there is a big focus on mental health and I was a bit like 'I can't book a session with the psych because this is week one. I can't book a session with the psych because they'll think I'm not OK to be here'.

"Then, someone else said to me, 'Oh, I had one with her and it was really, really, good'. So I thought 'Ok, I'll have one. As soon as I had one, I was like, book me in, book me in for every Wednesday, please. It's amazing, I love this'. I now understand why every American has a therapist."

She explained how there were set times to visit the team, but they were also "just round the corner from the villa" and could "be there within five minutes" if they were needed. Amy said: "I remember the second day I woke up and it was just a bit of a release I think because I knew that I was going on eight weeks in advance, it was all very heightened, and the first day is so busy because you get ready, come in and it’s full-on, then the next day.

"I thought 'Oh my God, I'm here' and I just cried and straight away they said 'someone from the welfare team's coming to get you now. Do you want to see the psych?'"

Amy said that Love Islanders are supported for around a year after they come out of the villa.

She said: "The welfare team would call us up periodically to check. You have their numbers too if you need them at any time, and they support you with therapy afterwards. I had lots of therapy with Lou, who's the amazing psych.

"She's the amazing psych who was in the villa with us. So I chose to go to her because she knew me and she knew my story."