Love Island star Mike Thalassitis was rocked by his nan’s death and ‘huge debts’ before he was found dead aged 26. The reality hunk, affectionately nicknamed Muggy Mike, was found in a woodland near his home in Essex on Friday.
Mike, who shot to fame on the 2017 series of the British ITV2 dating show, had recently suffered a painful split from his Towie star ex-girlfriend Megan McKenna. He had also been mourning the death of his beloved nan at the age of 94 and there were rumours he had run up debts due to his party lifestyle.
A source said: “It is absolutely tragic to have died at such a young age. Mike had so much to live for. He was about to launch a restaurant in Essex with a pal.” Mike was left grief-stricken in recent days over the death of his beloved grandmother. Dan said: “He was grieving the loss of his nan. She was 94 and he had moved in to live with her because she needed a full-time carer. He assured me he was fine and was excited about the launch of his shop. There was so much in store for his future that this is truly senseless. Mike wasn’t the lad you saw on Love Island. He was tender and sensitive and vulnerable and desperate for true love. Rest in peace, mate. I will miss you.” He was also reported to be shellshocked by the death of a close friend on Christmas Eve.
But he appeared to be in good spirits in a final Instagram story posted on Friday evening. Mike was out drinking with entrepreneur Scott Neilson, who was to be his restaurant partner. Mike achieved fame on the 2017 series of Love Island and was also a semi-pro footballer. Born in Edmonton, the Cypriot played for teams including Ebbsfleet United, St Albans, Chelmsford, Welling United, Stevenage and Margate. Describing himself as “tall, dark and handsome”, Mike vowed not to be a “villain” on Love Island when he entered in week two. But he earned the nickname “Muggy Mike” from islander Chris Hughes after stealing the heart of Olivia Attwood. The reality star was due to open his own restaurant, with reports suggesting the unveiling would be next week.
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