TV presenter Caroline Flack has died by suicide
She was found in her flat
Ewan SomervilleCaroline Flack has died by suicide aged 40.
The former Love Island host was found at her East London flat today.
Her family said in a statement: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th February.
“We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we would ask they make no attempt to contact us and/or photograph us.”
A lawyer for the family said she died by suicide.
ITV confirmed Saturday night’s episode of Love Island would not be broadcast.
Caroline Flack’s final Instagram post
“Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news,” a spokesperson for the broadcaster said.
“Caroline was a much loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends.”
The star stood down from presenting the ITV2 show in December after she was arrested and charged with assaulting her boyfriend, Lewis Burton.
She pleaded not guilty in court and was bailed on the condition she did not contact her partner. She was due to stand trial next month.
In her final Instagram post, made only yesterday, Caroline was seen kissing her beloved pet dog Ruby.
Caroline hosted numerous shows including Love Island and The X Factor
Tributes have flooded in from across the world.
Laura Whitmore, who stood in to host this year’s Winter Love Island after the assault charge, posted a picture of her and Caroline and wrote: “I’m trying to find the words but can’t.”
Chris Hughes, who appeared on the series, said: “Words can’t sum this up. So sad. Another amazing person taking from this cruel world.
“When will people and and press release celebrities are humans, with the same feelings everyone else has. Can’t believe to imagine the pain. God bless Caroline and her family. Rest tight.”
In a heartbreaking Instagram post, fellow reality star Molly-Mae Hague said she is “utterly shocked and heartbroken”.
“Caroline you were such a special woman. Your huge smile will stay with me forever… Rest in peace.”
This Morning host Philip Schofield said on his Instagram story: “You poor poor darling girl my heart is breaking #BeKind.”
He shared a screenshot of Caroline’s recent post, a quote that read: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Caroline fronted Love Island from 2015 to 2019 and also worked on numerous other shows in her career including I’m A Celeb, The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
If you are struggling to cope, please call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK and Ireland), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of the nearest branch. Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them.