TV STAR FL ACK DEAD AT 40
CAROLINE TAKES OWN LIFE
LOVE Island host Caroline Flack was found dead in her flat yesterday after taking her own life aged 40.
The troubled star had been set to stand trial for assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton next month.
On Friday, he posted a gushing Valentine’s message to her. Tributes were last night pouring in from Caroline’s pals in the
world of showbiz.
CAROLINE Flack was found dead yesterday after taking her own life.
The troubled Love Island presenter, 40, was discovered hours after boyfriend Lewis Burton posted an emotional social media message to her on Valentine’s Day.
He put up a picture of them looking loved-up and added the line: “Happy Valentine’s... Love You.”
Heartbroken loved-ones found the star at her flat in London yesterday – just two weeks before she was due to stand trial for an alleged assault on Lewis.
In a statement, her family said: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February.”
A family lawyer confirmed she had taken her own life in her flat.
The news left the showbusiness world in shock, and Caroline’s employer ITV paid an emotional tribute to her.
A spokesman for the broadcaster 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.”
Scores of friends and celebs also paid their respects online.
In one touching tribute, TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher said: “I love you darling. You were my little sister, 20 years of friendship. Fun, kind and brilliant in every way.”
Fellow presenter Eamonn Holmes said: “Dear God. Shocked beyond belief. May she have found peace.”
Singer Myleene Klass added: “Completely shocked by the news. I hope you’ve found your peace x RIP.”
And Corrie actress Lucy Fallon said: “Absolutely devastating to hear the news about Caroline Flack.”
BBC newsreader Kate Silverton said: “I share too the many views being expressed about the need for us all to be kinder and more compassionate online and indeed generally. Just heartbreaking.”
Davina McCall said: “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.”
Caroline died following months of torment after she was charged with common assault after a late-night row with Lewis at her home in December.
It was claimed she hit him over the head with a lamp. During a court appearance, inset, the prosecutor said that after being cautioned Caroline had said “she will kill herself ”.
It was also alleged that when police arrived to investigate the incident Caroline and Lewis were “covered in blood”. One officer “likened the scene to a horror movie” and photos emerged showing blood on her front door. It meant Caroline had to pull out of hosting the current series of Love Island – and ITV was forced to draft in her pal Laura Whitmore. After that she kept a low profile and fled to the US to keep out of the spotlight.
Sources close to Caroline said pals were refusing to leave her side over fears for her wellbeing. The star has previously spoken about her battle with depression, for which she said needed medication.
She said: “People see the celebrity lifestyle and assume everything is perfect, but we’re just like everyone else. “Everyone is battling something emotional behind closed doors – that’s life. Fame doesn’t make you happy. “Anti-depressants helped me get up in the morning, and stopped me from being sad. But what they also do is stop you from being happy.”
Caroline had recently returned to social media after a seven-week silence, sharing her first post to acknowledge Valentine’s Day.
She had posted four snaps alongside her French bulldog Ruby, captioning it them a heart emoji. Caroline first started on television in 2002. She went on to front a string of hit shows, including the X Factor. In 2014 she became a household name when she won Strictly Come Dancing. She then became host of Love Island on ITV2, which she helped turn into a ratings sensation. Her death follows the suicides of past Love Island contestants Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon.
‘Everyone’s battling something emotional behind closed doors’ – CAROLINE FLACK