Caroline Flack has been found dead at the age of 40.

The former Love Island host was discovered at her east London home on Saturday morning. Her family confirmed that she had taken her own life.

Caroline's sudden death has left her family, friends and fans reeling and many shared their tributes and memories on social media.

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."

Colleagues at The X Factor also posted a touching tribute on Twitter, saying: "We are absolutely devastated by this tragic news.

"Caroline was a much loved member of The X Factor family and a huge part of its success over the years. We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends."

The presenter had been due to stand trial on March 4 for an alleged assault on her boyfriend Lewis Burton, an incident which plunged her career and personal life into crisis.

She was forced to step down from Love Island and retreated to Los Angeles where she tried to get her life back on track.

Despite enjoying a hugely successful career, she had struggled to find lasting happiness and had spoken in the past of batting depression.

She had shared a collage of pictures of herself with her pet dog on Thursday, shortly before her death.

(Image: @carolineflack/Instagram)

Laura Whitmore, who replaced Flack on Love Island for the latest series, tweeted "I'm trying to find the words but I can't", followed by a broken heart emoji.

Dermot O'Leary who previously worked alongside Flack on The X Factor, posted a picture of the pair of them together on Instagram.

He said: "Just the worst news. Poor soul. Sending love to hers, and yours. Hold them tight tonight people. X Candles lit."

TV presenter Davina McCall also tweeted in reaction to the news of Flack's death. The Masked Singer star tweeted: "I'm so so sad to hear about @carolineflack1.

"I don't even know what to say. But my heart goes out to her friends and family x I might be a bit quiet tonight on social media .. just doesn't seem right."

Reacting to the news, Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said: "Oh my God. This is horrendous."

Love Island star Chris Hughes: "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 "

(Image: Getty Images)

Caroline is the fourth person linked to Love Island to have died.

Sophie Gradon, who appeared as a contestant in the show in 2016, was found hanged at her home in 2018 at the age of 32.

Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, who had found her body, went on to hang himself three weeks later. He was 25.

Mike Thalassitis, who appeared in the 2017 series, was 26 when he was found hanged in a park in March last year.

Caroline began her television career back in 2001 when she appeared in TV movie Is Harry on the Boat?

She had had a number of other acting jobs but it was presenting that made her a huge star.

Caroline worked on shows including Fame Academy, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and its spin-off, Britain's Got More Talent and The X Factor.

Then came Love Island, a dating reality show which quickly turned into the jewel in ITV's crown.

(Image: Instagram)

She hosted the ITV2 show and its spin off Aftersun from 2015 to 2019.

But after she was arrested for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend in December, she had not choice but to step down.

Caroline pleaded not guilty to assault by beating and was banned from contacting Lewis - but he continued to support her.

On Friday, Valentine's Day, he made a public declaration of live and posted a throwback picture of them in happier times.

He wrote: "Happy Valentine's. Love you."

In December, Caroline announced she was leaving her job on Love Island just days before she was due to fly out to South Africa to host the first ever Winter Series.

Confirming the news, she wrote on Instagram: "Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it's the best show on telly.

"In order not to detract from the attention of the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is stand down for Series 6."

A lawyer for the Flack family confirmed that Caroline took her own life.

A family spokesperson 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."

* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org