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Love Island and X Factor presenter Caroline Flack has died aged 40.

The broadcaster, who has hosted a string of high-profile television shows and previously won Strictly Come Dancing, died on Saturday. Her family confirmed the tragic news in a brief statement on Saturday evening.

They said: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on 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 Flack family confirmed said it was believed she took her own life and she was found in her east London flat on Saturday.

(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

The popular presenter won the 12th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.

Flack also presented The X Factor alongside Olly Murs for a series in 2015 while she spent several years as the host of ITV show Love Island. She stepped down from the role, which she carried out for five seasons, late last year after being charged with assault.

Paying tribute, current Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore said on Twitter: "I'm trying to find the words but I can't".

The Irish TV presenter also shared an old photo of her with Flack and an emotional poem.

An ITV spokeswoman said: “Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news. Caroline was a much-loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends."

She is thought to have recently returned from a trip to America.

Paying tribute on Twitter, former Love Island contestant Malin Andersson said: "My heart hurts for Caroline Flack. She did not deserve this. I have no words. Rest in peace."

And 2017 contestant Chris Hughes said: "Words can’t sum this up. So sad. Another amazing person taken from this cruel world. When will people and and press realise 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."

Love Island runner up Olivia Buckland said: "Don’t even know what to say. Just in shock, we love you Caroline."

Piers Morgan said: "Oh my God. This is horrendous."

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