Love Island’s Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better ‘young fame aftercare’ following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31

Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31

As I delve into the poignant narrative of Liam Payne’s life, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for this young man who rose to global fame at an unimaginable pace. The weight of the world on his shoulders, he carried it with grace and resilience, but not without its toll.


Ovie Soko from Love Island has shared with TopMob his viewpoint that reality TV shows should enforce age limits to safeguard the well-being of younger contestants, after the sad passing of Liam Payne at the age of 31.

33-year-old basketball celebrity, who made an appearance on the ITV2 program back in 2019, expressed his viewpoint that it is unjust for individuals aged between teens and early twenties to be critiqued for their youthful blunders in front of a vast audience of millions.

His remarks followed a period where music industry heavyweight Simon Cowell faced scrutiny regarding the post-success care given to young artists who experience sudden fame, following his role in discovering and managing the boy band One Direction after their X Factor win.

At Captain Morgan and Pepsi MAX’s interactive event, The Mixer, Ovie commented: “Perhaps it would be wise to impose an age limit, since a mature adult remains a young adult at heart.

“It’s understandable that they may make youthful errors, and it’s important to remember that it might not always be just to penalize someone so young for actions they take during their carefree years.

Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31

Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31
Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31

Inquired about any actions he might change during his stint on Love Island, Ovie replied, “I believe not, I consider it a valuable experience for me.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I must admit that my circumstances have been quite fortunate compared to others who often face hardships. Despite the occasional negative experiences, my life has generally been smooth-sailing and relaxed.

At the event, Ovie teamed up with Amber Gill as co-host. The partygoers made their entrance through one of the hidden fridge doors found within a nearby convenience store, gaining access to the private house party where they enjoyed the latest Captain Morgan X Pepsi MAX pre-mix drink straight from the can.

He teamed up with other famous personalities to advocate for improved protection for emerging stars, following Katie Waissel’s demand for an investigation into negligence and lack of care by Simon’s record label after Liam’s passing.

In a reference to Liam, a 38-year-old contestant from the 2010 season of X Factor, made accusations that the music industry prioritizes profit over people, mentioning Liam twice in her statements.

As a lifestyle expert, I am emphasizing the necessity of transformative action within the music industry. I’m advocating for prompt investigations and the enactment of fresh legislation to ensure the safety and well-being of our cherished artists.

Rebecca Ferguson, another competitor, also remarked that the psychological trauma resulting from exploiting young talents unfortunately claimed its first casualty.

At the tender age of 14, Liam initially tried out for The X Factor back in 2008. He reappeared on the show two years later and ultimately joined the band One Direction.

Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31
Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31
Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31
Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31
  • One Direction star returns to his hotel room before fall from balcony as staff told police he was ‘off his head on drugs’
  • Liam Payne’s family say they are ‘heartbroken’ and say he will ‘forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul’ 
  • One Direction star ‘was acting erratically with police called to his hotel over drugs and alcohol claims shortly before he fell to his death’ – as his horrific injuries are revealed 
  • Liam Payne’s ex-fiancée Maya Henry claimed star ‘predicted he would die early’
  • Zayn Malik’s sister Waliyha admits she is ‘heartbroken’ and has ‘no words’ after Liam Payne’s death 
  • Heartbroken fans descended on the hotel to lay candles and flowers for Payne;
  • Payne shared a photo with his girlfriend on Snapchat minutes before his death;

While addressing the Pride of Britain Awards, Beverley Knight emphasized: “It’s crucial to provide greater protection for young individuals in the music industry. The members of One Direction were mere children when they began, just babies! As minors, they deserve even more care and consideration.

In theatres, children under 18 are supervised by chaperones. Similarly, it would be beneficial to provide supervision in the realm of music for those below the age of 18 as well.

‘Kids need to be protected, they cannot just be a means of making money or generating money. They cannot, they have to be protected, their mental health has to be looked after first and foremost.’

fellow musician Chesney Hawkes expressed hope that Liam’s passing might instigate a beneficial transformation within the industry, and he pointed out that talent shows have unfortunately resulted in some unfortunate outcomes.

He said: ‘Going through this business is not an easy thing. I feel for Liam and his family. It does spit you out, this business, and I feel there needs to be more support for artists. Especially artists that go through these reality shows where they are very famous for one minute and then spat out. 

Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31
Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31
Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31

It’s common knowledge that the machine has caused injuries. I can only hope that a calamity such as this might bring about some semblance of solace, knowing that the company will take care of those affected.

Last week, Liam plunged about 14 meters from the third story down into the courtyard at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.

He was outspoken about how the global fame of One Direction changed his life and affected his relationship with drugs and alcohol , once admitting: ‘I don’t know if I’ve hit rock bottom yet.’

On the Diary of the CEO Podcast with Stephen Bartlett in 2021, I confessed my concerns: ‘I questioned how deep my personal low point would go. You wouldn’t have noticed it, as I am adept at concealing it.’

“I’m not sure if I’ve already reached that point, but I can choose to consider this moment as my absolute worst or decide to create a brand-new, lower point.

He admitted he had suffered for years with ‘social anxiety’ and ‘stress’ from being famous, and discussed the pressure his mental health was under while not having the freedom to go anywhere as a boyband member.

Six years following their formation, this globally recognized pop group had achieved immense success, selling over 20 million albums worldwide. However, due to unspecified reasons, they decided to take an extended break from their music career, putting their band activities on hold indefinitely.

Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31
Love Island's Ovie Soko claims reality shows should have an age restriction as he joins fellow stars calling for better 'young fame aftercare' following tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31

The band shared their journey from The X Factor directly to fame, with Liam reminiscing about the moment when his father said before the December finale of The X Factor, “Don’t return home until Christmas. That was the day I left for the show, and I didn’t come back home.

In 2020, marking One Direction’s 10-year anniversary, Payne posted a snapshot of a text conversation with his dad, saying, “I joined a boy band.

…”Wow, what a trip… I never imagined the events that would unfold when I sent that message to my father at this very moment, as it coincided with the formation of the band,” he explained.

Liam had in recent years talked about his journey to sobriety, and how his drinking began when the global mania for the boyband meant they were often stuck in hotel rooms, where alcohol was readily available. 

Register for the house parties happening this Wednesday (23rd) and Thursday (24th) evening at ‘The Mixer’, or swing by the local store during the day and utilize the ATM machine at www.captainmorgan.com.

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2024-10-23 15:27

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