Dr Alex George: who is the Love Island star appointed youth mental health ambassador - and what happened to his brother?

Former Love Island star and A&E doctor Alex George has been appointed as the UK Government’s youth mental health ambassador.

Boris Johnson gave George the role, in which he will be advising the government, following his campaign for better mental health provision after his younger brother took his own life last year.

George appeared on the popular ITV dating show in 2018, but has since played a crucial role as a key worker in the coronavirus response.

Here’s everything you need to know about Dr Alex George.

Who is Dr Alex George?

Dr Alex George works as an A&E doctor at the University Hospital Lewisham in South East London.

Born to parents Anthony George, a retired policeman, and Jane George, a bank manager, he is from Carmarthen in Wales.

George attended the University of Exeter to study medicine.

He appeared in the public eye after his stint on Love Island in 2018, but the doctor failed to find love in the villa after staying on the show for a number of weeks.

What has he done since Love Island?

After Love Island, George returned to his job as an A&E doctor.

He has gained a huge following on Instagram and TikTok, consistently posting medical tips and advice, along with mental health content.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, George has worked on the frontline in his London hospital.

He has posted pictures of himself in full PPE to social media, giving his followers a glimpse of what it is like to be working in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis.

George hasn’t given up TV yet, as he has frequently appeared as a TV doctor on Good Morning Britain, stepping in for Dr Hilary Jones when she is absent.

He also appeared on Celebrity MasterChef in 2019.

Does he have a girlfriend?

George didn’t find his match on Love Island, but he did have a girlfriend, Amelia Bath, for two years after he left the show.

However, the couple announced that they had split up in July 2020 after they were kept apart by the coronavirus lockdown.

Writing on Instagram at the time, George said: "Guys just want to let you know, Amelia and I have decided to go our separate ways.

"As you know, we've been apart for most of lockdown which has been hard on us both and we both agree this is for the best.

"We will remain good friends and I have nothing but respect for Amelia. Thank you for the love and support always."

The pair lived apart as George worked in the hospital, so he wouldn’t infect her or her family.

It is not known whether he has a partner at the moment.

George has previously spoken about how hard it is to keep up a relationship when working in A&E, especially during the Covid-19 crisis.

What happened to Dr Alex George’s brother?

In July last year, George lost his younger brother Llŷr after he took his own life at the age of 19, before he was due to start medical school.

He has spoken publicly about the pain he has experienced after his loss.

Writing in The Sun, George said his teenage brother’s death “shattered” his world.

He said he had no idea that Llŷr was struggling with his mental health before he died.

“I miss being brothers with Llŷr and while I’ve always been a mental health advocate, losing him galvanised the passion I have for it,” George wrote.

“Getting that phone call from my dad to tell me [that his brother was dead] was the most indescribable physical pain I’ve ever felt.

“There’s nothing like it, so any way I can stop other families going through what we did is worth it.”

What is his new mental health role?

George has been a strong advocate for mental health issues since his brother took his own life.

He previously appealed to Boris Johnson in an open letter on Instagram calling for “quality mental health education and support” for young people.

The doctor announced to his followers that he had been appointed youth ambassador for mental health on Wednesday 3 February.

He wrote on Instagram: "Never has mental health been as important as now.

"From schools to universities, the NHS and the wider public, mental health matters.

"Nothing will bring my brother back but if I can make a positive impact that saves even one life, it will be worth moving mountains for.”

In his new unpaid role, George will be part of the Mental Health in Education Action Group, which was set up specifically to look at pupils returning to classrooms after lockdown.

He will look at the mental health support provided in schools, colleges and universities, and will advise the government on further steps they can take to improve it.

George will also use his large social media following to inform people about the support that is already available.

In a statement, Boris Johnson said the pandemic has had a “huge impact” on children and young people’s mental health.

He said: “I want to shine a spotlight on this vital issue ahead of their return to school.

"I'm delighted that Dr Alex George will be working with us as we do everything in our power to improve people's mental wellbeing."

Claire Murdoch, mental health director, NHS England and NHS Improvement, said: "I met Dr Alex recently and was struck by his commitment to the NHS and to the mental health of our nation."