Pete Wicks warns that reality TV is risky while he supports Megan McKenna after the death of Mike Thalassitis

Reality star Pete Wicks says she supports ex-wife Megan McKenna as she laments the former Mike Island Thalbaditis.

Pete, who has been co-starring TOWIE co-star Megan for two years, said her old flame was still "shocked" after Mike, 26, committed suicide last Saturday.

He was found hanging in the woods near his home in North London, while he claimed to fight depression and his financial problems.

His seven-month relationship with Meg, 26, sank in July.

Pete – who separated from Megan in 2017 amid misleading rumors – buried the hatchet with her in this week's Celebs Go Dating scenes.

He said, "It's a really tragic thing and I feel it for Mike's family and friends. Everyone was shocked, but especially by the story of Megan.

"Everyone has always seen me and Megan as a nightmare and a toxic product, which was the case in a relationship. But he is an adorable person. I may not be the best boyfriend but I am a good friend. No matter what she needs, I'm here.

Friends and family of former semi-professional footballer, Mike, dropped balloons during a vigil at the site where his body was found Friday.

This comes eight months after the death of 32-year-old Sophie Gradon, who was involved in the 2016 ITV2 show, who apparently committed suicide last June and where her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong , was killed 20 days later. An investigation into the death of the former Miss Great Britain is under way.

This week, the producers of Love Island announced that they had reviewed their follow-up and that they would now offer financial advice, social media training and emotional support to candidates.

And Pete said that all reality shows must provide support to candidates – like any job. He said, "Whether you are on TV or not, every workplace has a duty to ensure that people are well placed – well-being must be a priority."

But he warned that aspirants to reality must beware of the inconveniences of overnight glory before signing up.

"Before you get into some things, you have to badess the risks," he said. "If you become an electrician, what are the risks? Similarly, if you switch to reality TV, what are the risks? What we do is work, people forget about it. I think people have to evaluate if they can cope with the pressures that come with it. "

Health Secretary Matt Hanbad said this week that producers have an obligation to take care of those who propel them to fame. He said: "I think it is a duty for any organization that places people in a position to make them famous overnight, they must also look after them after."

But Pete urged critics of reality to focus on the larger problem of male suicide.

"It's easy for people to go on reality TV because of what happened recently," he said.

"Men under 45, suicide is the most deadly. People go through this every day. Not enough men think they can talk to their comrades. Men do this bravado thing. "

The reality veteran – who also starred in Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls – continued, "All the shows I'm part of have been offered for follow-up services. It's up to you to talk about things or not. Sometimes people do not think so and think they can take care of it when they need that help. "

Pete – who has already spoken about his fight against anxiety – said his relationship with co-star of Celebs Go Dating, Sam Thompson, was good for his mental health.

Speaking at the Mexican restaurant Chiquito, where he launched this week with the star of Made In Chelsea, Sam, 26, dishes off his new menu, including extra-vegetarian options, he added: "The men should adopt bromance. Women live the same things but are more open to talking to their friends – men need to do more. "