Mike Thalassitis was a contestant on the 2017 series of Love Island and was in the process of opening his own restaurant following his success on the show. But the 26-year-old was said to have battled depression in the months before his death and was receiving therapy and reading self help books. His family and friends gathered to pay their respects to the reality star at a service in Southgate, North London, today.
What celebrities attended the funeral of the Love Island star?
Jamie Vardy’s wife Rebekah Vardy and The Only Way is Essex star Liam Gatsby were one of the first mourners to arrive.
Fellow TOWIE star Mario Falcone arrived at the church with Mike’s manager Dave Read.
After the death of Mike was revealed, Dave posted a tribute to his client online.
He wrote: “I’ve lost a great friend this weekend. We went out last week and as always you made me laugh with your quick wit.
“You were far too good looking, like some king of Greek God.
“A well mannered gentleman and fantastic client who I am proud to call my mate.
“You have left me a broken man, my heart feels shattered.”
Mike’s rumoured girlfriend Elli O’Donnell, who is an Instagram model, looked sombre as she arrived at the church.
Montana Brown who appeared in the same series as Mike, cried as she headed into the church.
She gave a talk about her friendship with Mike during the service and warned about
She said: “The whole nation was shocked by this, and this isn’t something you forget.
“I’m looking at everyone right here and asking you to change yourself, change how you live your life, change how you love your loved ones, and also change how you treat strangers.
“I can see a lot of reality faced in the room, please do not let this pass you by.
“It’s so hard, the rejection, the competitiveness, the need to constantly look OK on social media.
“So let’s learn from this. We’re all in the same boat. We all go through the same stresses.
“Let’s just be kinder, be nicer, more genuine, let’s check in on each other, life’s too short.”
Caroline Flack, who hosts Love Island, also attended the service, as well as many stars from the show.
This included Jonny Mitchell, Camilla Thulow and Jamie Jewitt, along with the winner of the 2017 series Amber Davies.
Mike’s family asked for donations to be made to mental health charity CALM in memory of him.
Samaritans have a 24 hour service available every day of the year. If you have been affected by Mike’s death or need someone to talk to, call 116 123 or email [email protected]