Former Love Island host Caroline Flack found dead at 40

Caroline Flack's family have confirmed her death. Picture: PA

By Kate Buck

Former Love Island host Caroline Flack has died at the age of 40.

Her family confirmed her death and said: "We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th of 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."

An ITV spokesperson 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."

A family lawyer confirmed Ms Flack took her own life the day after Valentine's Day.

ITV bosses have confirmed to LBC News that Love Island: Unseen Bits will not be airing tonight in the wake of the tragedy.

Caroline Flack has died at the age of 40. Picture: PA

Caroline Flack took her own life, family lawyers confirmed. Picture: PA

She had recently returned to the UK after a holiday in LA, and was seen looking relaxed at a climbing centre in London on Wednesday.

Ms Flack had been due to stand trial on 4 March after allegedly assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton.

She is alleged to have hit Burton over the head with a lamp, causing a head injury.

After entering a not guilty plea to the assault charge at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court, Flack was released on bail with conditions that stop her having any contact with Burton ahead of a trial.

She and Mr Burton are understood to have still been in a relationship at the time of her death, and he yesterday posted a picture of the pair to his Instagram, captioned "I love you."

He has not commented publicly on the news of her death.

Caroline Flack competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014. Picture: Getty

She won the series with partner Pasha Kovalev. Picture: PA

I’m trying to find the words but I can’t 💔 pic.twitter.com/FY3ppLzqsA — Laura Whitmore (@thewhitmore) February 15, 2020

Yesterday afternoon, Ms Flack took to social media to upload a picture of her posing with a dog, which she posted with a heart emoji.

Ms Flack's TV presenting roles have included Gladiators, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! NOW!, The X Factor and The Xtra Factor.

She had also been an actress in the early part of her career, starring as Bubbles on Bo Selecta before becoming a TV presenter.

She was best known for presenting popular ITV show Love Island, but stepped down at the end of 2019 following the charge.

Laura Whitmore, who took over hosting duties, said she "couldn't find the words" after finding out the news of the tragedy.

Ms Flack also competed on the 2014 series of Strictly Come Dancing, and was crowned the winner with partner Pasha Kovalev.

Friends of the TV star have taken to social media to pay tribute to her.

This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield paid tribute to Flack with a post on his Instagram stories.

He added text above a message that Flack had posted on social media, which read: "In a world where you can be anything, be kind".

Schofield wrote: "You poor darling girl my heart is breaking #BeKind".

BBC Presenter Dan Walker said: "Awful news about Caroline Flack. We really need to be better at taking care of each other. So sad."

Former Love Islands contestants issued their statements, with many referencing stars Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, who both appeared on separate series of the show and later also took their own lives.

Chris Hughes, who went on the show in 2017, said: "Words can’t sum this up. So sad. Another amazing person taking from this cruel world.

"When will people 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."

So so devastating. Can’t believe I’m writing RIP Caroline Flack, she was an amazing woman and always someone I looked up to in our line of work, She gave me advice on how to handle trolls & papers writing bullshit multiple times and I can’t even imagine how she would have felt.. — Maya Jama (@MayaJama) February 15, 2020

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 😢 💔 — Chris Hughes (@chrishughes_22) February 15, 2020

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.