Former Love Island contestant Montana Brown has said that Mike Thalassitis was in a “dark place” in the months before his death.
Brown appeared in the 2017 series of the ITV2 show alongside Thalassitis, who has died aged 26.
In a tribute on Instagram, she said she wished she had done more and revealed he had turned to self-help books in recent months.
Reality television star Thalassitis died on Friday, his management confirmed, with reports suggesting he was found near his home in Essex.
Brown also revealed details of their last phone call, in which Thalassitis congratulated her on a recent swimwear launch.
She said: “Now I know you were in a dark place a few months back and I thought you were past it and that you were on the up.
“I got you to buy (self-help book) The Magic, you wrote down your gratitudes, you had the pictures of your family in your car to remind you to be grateful for them.
“I just don’t know how I didn’t notice… I am absolutely heartbroken that I couldn’t help you.
“Your phone call a few days ago to tell me that I’m smashing the swimwear, you’re proud of me and that you’re grateful for my friendship is the only thing that’s keeping me going right now.
“At least you knew how much you meant to me.”
Thalassitis found fame on the 2017 series of the ITV competitive dating show, earning the nickname “Muggy Mike” after partnering with fellow islander Chris Hughes’ girlfriend Olivia Attwood.
Brown added: “I’ve thought long and hard about what I want to say, I’ve woken up and unfortunately this wasn’t just a nightmare so this is to you Mr Thala.
“Firstly, I’m so angry at you for doing this because you are so loved by so many people and I just wish you picked up the phone so we could’ve sorted this out. This didn’t need to happen.
“Secondly, it annoys me that you were so misunderstood. ‘Muggy Mike’ was your stage name and let’s face it, the ladies did fall at your feet BUT everyone had this impression of you and you were literally the opposite you were one of a kind.”