Latest news with #MalinAndersson
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Love Island star Malin Andersson calls for ITV dating show to be axed as she brands it 'toxic' and claims it made her feel 'disposable, like rubbish tossed aside'
Malin Andersson has called for Love Island to be axed and branded it 'toxic', claiming the ITV show made her feel 'disposable'. The star, 32, shot to fame after appearing on the popular dating show all the way back in the second series in 2016. But since her appearance, Malin has been outspoken on how she struggled with her mental health in the years after leaving the villa. Now, the reality star is calling for the show to be cancelled as she revealed she hasn't watched any of the recent series. 'I haven't watched any of them, it should be axed,' she told The Mirror on Sunday. 'I felt disposable, like a piece of rubbish tossed aside,' she said, adding: 'The whole thing is toxic and should go in the bin.' MailOnline has contacted representatives for Malin and Love Island for comment. Last year, Malin gave some important advice to anyone hoping to go on a reality TV show, warning that they need to be sure they can handle it ahead of time. She was 24 years old when she entered the villa, during the time widely seen as the beginning of Love Island's peak popularity. As a result Malin and her fellow Islanders like Olivia and Alex Bowen, Cara De La Hoyde, and Kady McDermott, were among the first to experience the sudden overnight fame that comes with being on the ITV2 show. She issued a stark warning to those who want to follow in her footsteps, admitting she had been a 'very dark place' after leaving the villa. Love Island has been hit with backlash in recent years following the tragic suicides of former contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, as well as host Caroline Flack. Speaking to MailOnline about the debate surrounding the effect of reality shows on stars' mental health, Malin said she felt people should only go on if they knew they deal with the difficult parts as well. She said: 'From coming from a reality TV background - who I was when I came out of Love Island, it's a very dark place to be. And that happens with a lot of these shows. 'If you know can stand on your own two feet and say you're cool with all of the stuff that comes with it, I say do it. 'But what I didn't know was that I thought I could deal with it at the time, and when I came out I couldn't. And then I went through so much trauma, that made it worse.' She added: 'I think if you have things in your mental health to work out and know that you can't do it, then don't chase the fame, chase the healing.' Several former Islanders has spoken about how their life changed once leaving the villa, including self-esteem issues and depression. Laura Anderson said she began doubting her appearance, Zara McDermott admitted she struggled not to be 'self-obsessed' due to social media and Samira Mighty admitted that on her worst days she 'hates' her life and struggles to get out of bed. Malin has admitted she was 'vulnerable' on Love Island and wasn't in the state of mind to find the connection she was looking for, leading to further 'trauma'. She revealed that her deep desire to be loved contributed to her getting into abusive relationships, because she didn't know her own worth. She explained: 'When I went through my abusive relationships it was really me screaming I want to be loved. 'I don't love myself, so I'll accept any kind of love - even if it's abuse. And when I realised that and let them go, I could really see I was creating that in my life.' Malin has been very candid about her experiences with domestic violence and has campaigned for abuse survivors. Her former boyfriend Tom Kemp was jailed for 10 months in 2020, after admitting to an assault on her that left her 'black and blue' with a broken hand. He was the father of Malin's baby girl Consy, who tragically died with a heart defect in January 2019, just one month after being delivered at 33 weeks. The couple met in late 2017 and Malin has been open about the abuse and emotional torment she suffered while in the on/off relationship. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, or see for details
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Love Island star fumes show is 'full of toxicity' and calls for it to be 'axed'
EXCLUSIVE: Love Island's Malin Andersson, who starred in the second season of the ITV2 dating show in 2016, has slammed the series as 'toxic' and said it should be taken off air Former Love Island star Malin Andersson, who shot to fame on series two, has radically changed her opinion of the hit dating show, branding it 'full of toxicity' and insisting it should be axed. While other participants, including Amy Hart and Amber Davies, have praised the show for its support and aftercare – with Olivia Attwood saying ' Love Island saved me'– Malin, who took part in the show in 2016, has a very different view. Here, the 32-year-old, who memorably confronted ex Terry Walsh in the villa, tells new why she feels so strongly about her time on Love Island and why she would be dead against her daughter Xaya, three, going on the show when she's older. Hi, Malin! Love Island's back but you're not watching. Why? I haven't watched any of them. It should be axed. When I was on it, we were naive, it felt more organic – still scripted but more authentic. Even then, it wasn't pure, it was full of toxicity. Now millions watch it, especially young people, and their idea of love gets completely skewed. Some contestants spiral completely. Did you ever feel like that on the show? Oh, 100%. I felt disposable, like a piece of rubbish tossed aside. In there, you're fighting to be seen, to be a main character, seeking validation. It's not healthy – it creates unrealistic drama and messes up how viewers see love. The whole thing is toxic and should go in the bin. Let's talk about the time when you came back in to confront Terry. How did that happen? I was already partying in Spain when Emma [Jane Woodhams] went in with the TOWIE lot. They realised I was nearby and asked me to come in too. So I did the next day. Were you watching the show then? No. I was just partying and Tweeting stuff to provoke producers to get me back in – and it worked. How did you feel after confronting Terry? Did it bring clarity? No, it just showed me that I had been attracting terrible men my whole life until I figured out why. How did you heal? It's been a powerful journey but not easy. I had to look at parts of myself I didn't want to see – why I wanted to be seen, why I accepted bad love. It starts with what we're shown as kids. TV shows like Love Island feed the same toxic ideas. They don't care about feelings – just money and drama. I wish there were shows about real healing. Why do you think people love watching the show? People are living through other people's lives because they want escapism. We're all scrolling, looking at everyone else's stories, wanting to be part of it. The format is easy: pretty girls, good-looking guys who can't even talk properly. It's a quick dopamine hit. This year they say they will show sex on screen if it happens, to show 'real relationships'. What are your thoughts? They're struggling for viewers, that's all. It's not real – living in a house with people with no phone or sanity, isn't real. When you were there, did producers suggest you talk to certain people or stir things? All the time. If people were gossiping about me, they'd tell me to go over. They'd nudge conversations or set up who should talk to whom. It's all manipulated for reactions. So why did you decide to go on the show in the first place? I'd been on Take Me Out at 18. The same producer called me a year later, asked if I was single. I said yes, and they fast-tracked me in, I didn't even audition. I was just a young girl wanting fun – clueless, really. This year on Love Island there are older contestants – 30 and 29. The youngest is 22. How does that dynamic work? The older ones get seen as Mummy and Daddy, that's how society is. I'm 32 and people act like that's ancient. The show pushes a narrow look – perfect bodies, the 'ideal' appearance. Anything outside that is labelled abnormal. It tells kids they have to fit that mould. How about diversity? There are more people from different backgrounds on the show… It's sad we even have to call it 'diverse'. We should just be one mix of people – different races, professions, appearances. We're all the same inside. Are you looking for love now? I feel he's around the corner! I want someone with a pure soul and real masculine energy – not ego-driven but someone who makes me feel safe. I'm not really dating right now. Will you tell your daughter about your time on the show? She'll find out eventually. She sees how I live and grow, and that's why I feel so strongly about all this – to protect her too. If she ever wanted to go on Love Island, what would you say? Nah, babes. I'd tell her no way – with no reason given.
Daily Mirror
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Love Island legend shares dirty villa bathroom secrets girls had to go through
EXCLUSIVE: Love Island alumni Malin Andersson is not a fan of the current series and has shared a few behind-the-scenes secrets from her time on the ITV2 dating show Love Island alum Malin Andersson, who appeared on the show back in 2016 for their second series, is not holding back when it comes to her thoughts on the current series. Now 32, the body positivity campaigner and mental health advocate says she watches the new Islanders with a very different lens. 'I'm 32 so I'm a similar age to them on there,' she says, 'but I can see through it all completely now.' Malin, who famously left the villa after being dumped on day 25 has since distanced herself from the Love Island world. 'I don't talk to any Islanders at all,' she admits. 'The girls lower their bar because of the show and that's what makes it toxic. They're not understanding their worth.' She's also not afraid to share some unfiltered behind-the-scenes secrets. 'I was constipated at one point in the villa because I held it in for ages,' she laughs. ' Olivia Buckland [now Bowen] did the same. We used to go on poo watch and made sure no guys were near the toilet. One of us would guard, and Cara De La Hoyde [now Massey] helped.' Though she doesn't stay in touch with former castmates, Malin clearly remembers the realities behind the glam – and wants this year's Islanders to remember their value. 'It's easy to get lost in the show,' she says. 'But you've got to know your worth.' Last week, Malin spoke out about hitting "rock bottom" after her time on the ITV2 dating show and called for it to be axed. "Love Island. It starts tonight...I'm quite shocked this show is still on air to be honest," she said in an emotional statement on her Instagram Stories. "I was on it 8 years ago, and in that 8 years I've turned pain into purpose and used my platform for good. Within the 8 years that have passed I've had to hit rockbottom to find a strength I never knew I had - and awaken to the truth of who we are. "However what young Malin didn't know was, how dangerous a show like this is - portraying toxicity as love, unrealistic body standards and women who maybe broken inside but wanting love for the wrong reasons - and thinking fame will save them.. and as for the men - similar things." Malin added that she wants a show that helps contestants"find love for ourselves first" before finding it in someone else. She added: "We don't need a show making women especially feel bad about themselves - or fuelling eating disorders. That's outdated now. It's not it." ITV has introduced extensive duty of care procedures during the show's run, with contestants being offered comprehensive psychological support before, during and after filming on the show. They are also asked to pause any posting to their social media accounts while they're on the show and to complete video training and guidance on language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, microaggressions, mutually respectful behaviour in relationships and behaviour patterns associated with controlling and coercing behaviour. The new series of Love Island began last week with a new line-up of singles stepping into the ITV2 villa and there has already been two shock dumpings and six bombshells.
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Love Island star calls for show to be AXED – eight years after hitting rock bottom on it
She took to her Instagram Stories to share a powerful statement hours before the new series kicked off Axe to grind Love Island star calls for show to be AXED – eight years after hitting rock bottom on it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island star Malin Andersson has called for the show to be AXED - eight years after hitting rock bottom on it. Malin, 32, said it's 'shocking' the ITV2 staple is still on-air and accused it of fuelling eating disorders and glorifying toxic relationships. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Love Island star Malin Andersson has called for the show to be AXED Credit: Instagram She took to her Instagram Stories to share a powerful statement hours before the new series kicked off, nearly a decade after she appeared on it. Malin wrote: "Love Island. It starts tonight.. I'm quite shocked this show is still on air to be honest. "I was on it 8 years ago, and in that 8 years I've turned pain into purpose and used my platform for good. "Within the 8 years that have passed I've had to hit rockbottom to find a strength I never knew I had - and awaken to the truth of who we are. "However what young Malin didn't know was, how dangerous a show like this is - portraying toxicity as love, unrealistic body standards and women who maybe broken inside but wanting love for the wrong reasons - and thinking fame will save them.. and as for the men - similar things. "We need a show on how to show the world what it looks like to HEAL WITHIN & find love for ourselves first, then finding it in someone else. "We don't need a show making women especially feel bad about themselves - or fuelling eating disorders. That's outdated now. It's not it." Malin found fame on the second series of Love Island in 2016, spending 24 days in the villa where she was partnered with Terry Walsh. Though she's synonymous with the show, Malin has made it known before she isn't a fan. She previously told Bobby Norris on Fubar Radio: "I've not watched it. I haven't watched a single episode. I didn't even watch my own series. I ran my fingers through my hair and found another bald patch… I know what caused it to fall out, says Malin Andersson "From what I can see the format is the same and it's like the luggage belt at the airport arrivals and they're just spinning out the same characters. It's the same old bag every time. It sounds really bad.' She continued: 'I think Love Island has had its day a long time ago. And I think for the younger generation, there could be more put out there. I think all we're seeing now is a lot of dating shows.' Mum Malin recalled her obsession in the villa with viewers' perception of her appearance. She likened the experience to Jim Carrey's classic film, The Truman Show, in which his character is the central figure in a reality construct he has no idea about. 'I remember being in the villa and I kept asking the producers 'are there any bad comments about my weight?'" she said. "That's all I cared about. 'Are there any comments calling me fat?' That's all I remember asking them. "They would say no to everything. You're in the Truman show in there. It is literally like a bubble. No time, they tell you when to eat, when to sleep. It's such a different false reality." ITV has been contacted for comment. Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. Love Island's duty of care Pre Filming and Filming - Registered mental health professional engaged throughout the whole series - from pre-filming to aftercare. - Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander's own GP to check medical history. - Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose in confidence any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the Villa and the production's ability to provide a suitable environment for them. - Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear. - Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them. - Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid. - A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after. Aftercare - Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home. - A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be offered to each Islander when they return home. - Proactive contact with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable. - We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities. ITV's support for Mental Health In 2019 ITV selected mental health as the main focus for its on air health campaigns aimed at its viewers. ITV partnered with Mind and YoungMinds, alongside SAMH in Scotland, and Ant and Dec launched the Britain Get Talking campaign in Britain's Got Talent, with the aim of encouraging 10m people to take action to support their mental or physical health by 2023. Since it launched, Britain Get Talking has resulted in over 100 million more meaningful conversations, and in 2022 ITV announced a further target of encouraging 200 million actions for better health by the end of 2023. Alongside Britain Get Talking, ITV has a mental wellbeing initiative aimed at a younger demographic in partnership with mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). In 2022 it encouraged 1.8m young people to take action to feel better able to cope with life's ups and downs through the campaign 'What Gets You Through'. ITV's Mental Health Advisory Group, chaired by Ruth Davidson with members including CEOs of mental health charities Mind, YoungMinds and SAMH, provides guidance and support on all aspects of ITV, and STV's, approach to mental health and wellbeing among its people, production teams, participants in its shows and audiences. ITV also hosted the Mental Health in the Media conference in March 2023, bringing writers, producers, duty of care professionals, brands and broadcasters together to explore best practice around mental wellbeing on screen and behind the screens. 4 She said it's 'shocking' the ITV2 staple is still on-air Credit: Instagram 4 Malin accused it of fuelling eating disorders and glorifying toxic relationships Credit: Instagram
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island star calls for show to be AXED – eight years after hitting rock bottom on it
LOVE Island star Malin Andersson has called for the show to be AXED - eight years after hitting rock bottom on it. Malin, 32, said it's 'shocking' the ITV2 staple is still on-air and accused it of fuelling eating disorders and glorifying toxic relationships. 4 She took to her Instagram Stories to share a powerful statement hours before the new series kicked off, nearly a decade after she appeared on it. Malin wrote: " Love Island. It starts tonight.. I'm quite shocked this show is still on air to be honest. "I was on it 8 years ago, and in that 8 years I've turned pain into purpose and used my platform for good. "Within the 8 years that have passed I've had to hit rockbottom to find a strength I never knew I had - and awaken to the truth of who we are. "However what young Malin didn't know was, how dangerous a show like this is - portraying toxicity as love, unrealistic body standards and women who maybe broken inside but wanting love for the wrong reasons - and thinking fame will save them.. and as for the men - similar things. "We need a show on how to show the world what it looks like to HEAL WITHIN & find love for ourselves first, then finding it in someone else. "We don't need a show making women especially feel bad about themselves - or fuelling eating disorders. That's outdated now. It's not it." Malin found fame on the second series of Love Island in 2016, spending 24 days in the villa where she was partnered with Terry Walsh. Though she's synonymous with the show, Malin has made it known before she isn't a fan. She previously told Bobby Norris on Fubar Radio: "I've not watched it. I haven't watched a single episode. I didn't even watch my own series. "From what I can see the format is the same and it's like the luggage belt at the airport arrivals and they're just spinning out the same characters. It's the same old bag every time. It sounds really bad.' She continued: 'I think Love Island has had its day a long time ago. And I think for the younger generation, there could be more put out there. I think all we're seeing now is a lot of dating shows.' Mum Malin recalled her obsession in the villa with viewers' perception of her appearance. She likened the experience to Jim Carrey 's classic film, The Truman Show, in which his character is the central figure in a reality construct he has no idea about. 'I remember being in the villa and I kept asking the producers 'are there any bad comments about my weight?'" she said. "That's all I cared about. 'Are there any comments calling me fat?' That's all I remember asking them. "They would say no to everything. You're in the Truman show in there. It is literally like a bubble. No time, they tell you when to eat, when to sleep. It's such a different false reality." ITV has been contacted for comment. Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. Love Island's duty of care Pre Filming and Filming - Registered mental health professional engaged throughout the whole series - from pre-filming to aftercare. - Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander's own GP to check medical history. - Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose in confidence any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the Villa and the production's ability to provide a suitable environment for them. - Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear. - Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them. - Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid. - A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after. Aftercare - Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home. - A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be offered to each Islander when they return home. - Proactive contact with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable. - We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities. ITV's support for Mental Health In 2019 ITV selected mental health as the main focus for its on air health campaigns aimed at its viewers. ITV partnered with Mind and YoungMinds, alongside SAMH in Scotland, and Ant and Dec launched the Britain Get Talking campaign in Britain's Got Talent, with the aim of encouraging 10m people to take action to support their mental or physical health by 2023. Since it launched, Britain Get Talking has resulted in over 100 million more meaningful conversations, and in 2022 ITV announced a further target of encouraging 200 million actions for better health by the end of 2023. Alongside Britain Get Talking, ITV has a mental wellbeing initiative aimed at a younger demographic in partnership with mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). In 2022 it encouraged 1.8m young people to take action to feel better able to cope with life's ups and downs through the campaign ' What Gets You Through '. ITV's Mental Health Advisory Group, chaired by Ruth Davidson with members including CEOs of mental health charities Mind, YoungMinds and SAMH, provides guidance and support on all aspects of ITV, and STV's, approach to mental health and wellbeing among its people, production teams, participants in its shows and audiences. ITV also hosted the Mental Health in the Media conference in March 2023, bringing writers, producers, duty of care professionals, brands and broadcasters together to explore best practice around mental wellbeing on screen and behind the screens. 4 4 4
