Tragic death of Caroline Flack
Caroline Flack, the television presenter best known for hosting the popular show Love Island, took her own life at her London flat three weeks before she was due in court for what her management called a “show trial” over an alleged assault on her boyfriend. In a statement, it said the charge was “without merit and not in the public interest”.
CAROLINE FLACK, the Love Island presenter, took her own life at her London flat three weeks before she was due in court for what her management called a “show trial” for an alleged assault on her boyfriend.
Flack, 40, had stepped down from her position fronting the ITV2 show after she was accused of attacking Lewis Burton. Her next court hearing was scheduled for March 4.
Her management last night described it as a “show trial” which was “without merit and not in the public interest”, adding in a statement: “The CPS pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events.
“The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest. And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline.”
Tributes poured in from friends and former colleagues, with many saying they were struggling to come to terms with the news. Laura Whitmore, who took over hosting the winter series of
Love Island from Flack, tweeted: “I’m trying to find the words but I can’t.”
This Morning presenters Eamonn Holmes and Phillip Schofield also shared messages of support. Holmes said he was “shocked beyond belief ”, while Schofield said: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Flack stepped down from her position as presenter of the show following the assault charge. Police were seen outside her London home, where she lived with Mr Burton, during the early hours of Dec 14 after accusations emerged that a man had been attacked. Following her resignation from Love
Island, Flack voiced her support for
ITV’s decision to hire Whitmore, saying: “I’m glad it’s Laura. She loves the show as much as I do.
“It’s a really rough time... but I’m doing all I can to keep my head above water and sort this all out.”
Flack previously opened up about her struggles with mental health.
She wrote on her Instagram account in October last year: “The last few weeks I’ve been in a really weird place. I find it hard to talk about it. I guess it’s anxiety and pressure of life.
“I certainly hate talking about my feelings. And being a burden is my biggest fear. I’m lucky to be able to pick myself up when things feel s---. But what happens if someone can’t. Be nice to people. You never know what’s going on. Ever.”
The news of her death will come as a further blow to Love Island. Contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon took their own lives after taking part in the TV show.
An ITV spokesman 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 highlights episode of Love Island, called Unseen Bits, that was due to air last night was cancelled by ITV2.