Caroline Flack‘s Love Island family will pay tribute to the late host in the wake of her tragic death.
Just one day after she died by apparent suicide at 40 years old, a rep from ITV spoke with People and confirmed the network would not air Sunday night’s episode of the hit reality dating show out of respect for Flack’s family who is still grieving the sudden tragedy.
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The spokesperson told the outlet how Caroline’s passing has deeply affected those who worked with her:
“Many people at ITV knew Caroline well and held her in great affection. All of us are absolutely devastated at this tragic news.”
And they continued from there, explaining the network’s plans to honor Flack on Monday night’s broadcast:
“After careful consultation between Caroline’s representatives and the Love Island production team and given how close we still are to the news of Caroline’s tragic death we have decided not to broadcast tonight’s Love Island out of respect for Caroline’s family. Love Island will return tomorrow night which will include a tribute to Caroline who will be forever in our hearts.”
Ugh. Our hearts continue to break over this sad news.
As we reported, the TV presenter was found dead in her London apartment over the weekend on Saturday. Her family’s lawyer confirmed her passing in a statement issued to the press that same day.
“We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February. We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.”
Caroline’s death comes just two months after it was announced she’d be stepping down from Love Island. Despite hosting the reality gig for the last five seasons, the starlet distanced herself from the show after being charged with assault following a December 2019 incident involving boyfriend Lewis Burton. She initially pleaded not guilty to the charges and was set to begin trial proceedings this March.
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Burton has since taken to Instagram to comment on the unimaginable grief over losing his girlfriend.
Many celebrities and members of the Love Island family have followed suit, sharing loving messages about Flack across social media.
Kelly Osbourne posted a lengthy message about the tragedy on her IG, writing:
“Words are way more powerful than you think… never forget to tell your loved ones that you love them. What a special person @carolineflack was. She lit up every room because she shined so brightly. To say I’m saddened by her loss is simply not enough. It was an honor and a privilege to have known you and to call you my friend. ? I can’t even believe I’m writing this. ?”
Alongside a picture and video that showed Flack comforting season 5 winner Molly-Mae Hague, the contestant wrote:
“I’m utterly shocked and heartbroken. Caroline you were such a special woman. Your huge smile will stay with me forever… Rest in peace”
Season 4’s Ellie Brown hopped in the comments section and added:
“My heart is breaking… I’m so sorry for what you had to go through these past few months, nobody deserves this. Thank you for one of the best experiences of my life. Rest in peace.”
Zara Holland, who appeared on season 2 of the popular program, took to her own account and used part of her message to slam the media for their overly intrusive coverage of Flack’s assault charges:
“Caroline Flack❤️ You supported me always, you were so kind to me & my family, I will never forget that. I spoke to you, and gave my support during the recent media intrusion. The media & trolls are killing people. Please THINK before you speak.”
Longtime announcer Iain Stirling shared a clip of one of Flack’s performances on BBC One‘s Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and wrote:
“Today my friend wandered into heaven. I bet it was in slow motion and sassy as f**k. Love you x.”
Amy Hart, a competitor on Love Island last year, offered her condolences in the touching post (below):
And Laura Whitmore, who replaced Caroline after she stepped down as host, shared a happy memory of the two. Alongside a video of herself dancing the late star, she wrote:
“See you on the dance floor ❤️”
R.I.P., Caroline.
[Image via WENN/Avalon]
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