Mike Thalassitis, star of the UK version of Love Island, has been found dead at the age of 26, according to a statement released overnight by his management.
Thalassitis, who appeared on the show in 2017, was a former footballer who had played for clubs including St Albans and Chelmsford.
He dated The Only Way Is Essex star Megan McKenna before splitting up last year, and had appeared on the series Celebs Go Dating in 2018.
Although he had been known by the nickname ‘Muggy Mike’ during his time on Love Island, his former co-star Chris Hughes took to social media to say:
“His name wasn’t Muggy Mike. Please stop brandishing that. His name was Mike Thalassitis, and every inch of my heart goes out to his family & friends. A good guy, taken far, far to soon.”
His name wasn’t Muggy Mike. Please stop brandishing that. His name was Mike Thalassitis, and every inch of my heart goes out to his family & friends. A good guy, taken far, far to soon. 💔
— Chris Hughes (@chrishughes_22) March 16, 2019
Football club Stevenage, where he started his career, said in a Tweet that they were shocked to hear the tragic news, sending condolences to his family and friends.
Everybody at #StevenageFC is shocked & saddened to hear the tragic news about former player Michael Thalassitis.
Our sincerest condolences go to his family & friends. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/gfByhMsjaX
— (P) Stevenage FC 🔴⚪ (@StevenageFC) March 16, 2019
Fellow Love Island star Johnny Mitchell was amongst many others to share tributes, writing:
“My boy from the villa and one of my best mates from the show coming out. An absolute hero and a legend and someone I personally looked up to, always full of so much positivity and charisma. One of the best people I’ve ever known taken from us far too soon, I’m heartbroken and can’t put into words how much I’m gonna miss you bro!”
