The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Partner’s tribute to Flack
● Tragic presenter’s grieving boyfriend vows to ‘get all the answers’
Caroline Flack’s boyfriend Lewis Burton has said that his “heart is broken” following the death of the TV presenter.
Love Island presenter Flack was found dead at the age of 40 at her home in east London after taking her own life.
Burton had been denied contact with his girlfriend since late last year due to her bail conditions over charges of an alleged assault on him.
In an emotional tribute on Instagram he wrote, beside a picture of them together: “My heart is broken we had something so special.”
Burton, 27, added: “I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday. I love you with all my heart.”
Flack’s family confirmed her death on Saturday, adding in a statement: “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.”
The shock news sparked a flood of tributes from celebrities but also questions about the decision to press ahead with the prosecution for the alleged assault on Burton.
Flack, who was described as “vulnerable” by her management, stepped down as presenter of the current series of dating reality show Love Island due to her legal troubles.
Last month she pled not guilty to the assault charge at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court and was freed on bail, with conditions preventing her contacting Burton prior to a trial next month.
In a statement her management company slammed the Crown Prosecution Service.
Francis Ridley, of Money Talent Management, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service 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.”
Talent agent Jonathan Shalit told BBC Radio 5’s Stephen Nolan Flack received “more negative press than a terrorist or a paedophile” over the trial.
Flack is the fourth person linked to ITV2’s Love Island to have killed themselves.
Sophie Gradon, who was a contestant in 2016, was found dead at her home in 2018, aged 32. Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, who found her body, killed himself three weeks later. He was 25.
Mike Thalassitis, a contestant on the 2017 series, was found dead in a park last March, aged 26.
Anyone struggling who needs to talk can call Samaritans, a free and confidential emotional support service available 24 hours a day, on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Alternatively, call Breathing Space on 0800 838 587