Reality TV stars have come together to say their final goodbyes to Love Island star Mike Thalassitis.
The former footballer and reality TV star was found hanged in a park near his home in Edmonton, north London on March 15 at the age of just 26.
Mike was said to be suffering from depression and financial troubles, and struggling to come to terms with the loss of his grandmother, who had passed away days earlier.
Dozens of mourners have gathered outside Christ Church in Southgate, north London, where the star is being laid to rest.
Those at the private service this afternoon include footballer Jamie Vardy’s wife Rebekah and cast members from The Only Way Is Essex, Mario Falcone and Liam ‘Gatsby’ Blackwell.
Others at the poignant service include Montana Brown, Jonny Mitchell, Jamie Hewitt and Camilla Thurlow, who appeared on the 2017 series of Love Island with Mike.
Stars of the 2018 series Zara McDermott, Ellie Brown and Samira Mighty have also joined the congregation alongside the host of the ITV2 show, Caroline Flack.
Mourners stopped to pay their respects to Mike’s older brother Nick, who often shared pictures of their close-knit family on social media.
Mike’s friend and fellow Love Island star Montana Brown, who was visibly distraught as she made her way into the church, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram this morning reading: ‘Wished today would never come’.
Host of the ITV2 show Caroline Flack wore dark glasses as she walked into the church this afternoon
Zara McDermott, Ellie Brown and Samira Mighty are among those arriving for the funeral of Mike Thalassitis today
Left, An emotional Montana Brown and right, Love Island 2017 winner Amber Davies
Mike’s friend and fellow Love Island star Montana Brown was seen arriving for the funeral. She posted an emotional tribute on Instagram this morning reading: ‘Wished today would never come’
WAG Rebekah Vardy was among the first to arrive for Mike Thalassitis’s funeral today
Mike’s older brother Nick Thalassitis arriving at the church. The close-knit brothers often shared pictures of themselves together on social media
The late star’s rumoured girlfriend Ellie O’Donnell was noticeably upset as she walked into the church
Camilla Thurlow and Jamie Jewitt, who starred with Mike on the 2017 series of the show, outside the church today
Friends and family members stopped to pay their respects to the star’s brother Nick as the funeral procession arrived in north London
Towie’s Liam ‘Gatsby’ Blackwell (right) was among the first mourners to arrive at the north London church this afternoon
Mike’s friend and fellow Love Island star Montana Brown posted an emotional tribute on Instagram this morning reading: ‘Wished today would never come’
Mike Thalassitis was found hanged in a park near his home in Edmonton, north London on March 15 at the age of just 26
A private ambulance turned up at the church in north London ahead of the funeral
Christ Church in Southgate, north London, where the star is being laid to rest
Mike’s beloved 94-year-old grandmother on his father’s side passed away days before his death, shortly after the reality star had moved in with her to become her full-time carer.
The 26-year-old, who hails from a Cypriot family, was said to be devastated by her loss.
The news of his death also came just months after his best friend Danny Cutts passed away.
The former League One footballer had enjoyed a successful playing career before appearing on season three of ITV’s Love Island in 2017.
He rose to fame for his exploits in the villa and had viewers in stitches with his antics before he went on to search for love again in E4’s Celebs Go Dating.
Born in Edmonton, Mike played football for Stevenage, Ebbsfleet United, Boreham Wood, St Albans City, Margate, Hemel Hempstead Town, Chelmsford and Welling United.
He had been due to open a restaurant, named The Skillet, before he died. His friend and business partner Scott Neilson confirmed he would press ahead with the opening despite the tragedy because ‘it was what Mike would’ve wanted’.
Mr Neilson added: ‘ Mike would’ve wanted this cafe to open, he spent everyday for the past couple of months working hard to make this place a success so we are pulling together to get this ready for everyone and especially for Mike.’
The star’s ex-girlfriend Megan McKenna, meanwhile, has eschewed the service after jetting out of the country to fly to Nashville earlier this week ‘to honour work commitments.’
The reality star, 26, was seen at London’s Heathrow airport on Tuesday.
Georgia Harrison stood beside Montana Brown, who appeared to clutch a reading to be given at the funeral
A black hearse carrying Mike Thalassitis’s silver coffin with a large white floral wreath spelling out ‘Brother’ arrived at the church at around 12.45pm
The Only Way is Essex star Mario Falcone was joined alongside Mike’s distraught manager, Dave Reed
Floral wreaths in the hearse spelled out ‘brother’
Friends of the Love Islander including realty show star Nadia Essexm pictured, arriving for the service today
The 26-year-old, who hails from a Cypriot family, had enjoyed a successful career as a footballer. He is pictured here in July 2018
This was the last photo Mike posted on Instagram, on March 5 – days before he died
The former League One footballer had enjoyed a successful playing career before appearing on season three of ITV’s Love Island in 2017 (pictured)
Mike rose to fame for his exploits in the villa and had viewers in stitches with his antics
Pain: On Friday, friends, family and fellow TV stars descended upon Christ Church in Southgate to honour the tragic star who was found dead in a woodland near his Edmonton home at the beginning of last month
Mike and Megan dated on and off throughout 2018, but ended their relationship last August.
Fellow Love Island star Sophie Gradon, 32, who appeared on season two of the reality show in 2016, was found dead in June last year.
After their deaths, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said reality TV shows have a duty to care for contestants after they become famous.
- For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, or see samaritans.org for details.