Caroline Flack: Tributes pour in after former Love Island host dies aged 40
15 February 2020, 20:58
Tributes from the world of showbiz have poured in after the death of Caroline Flack at the age of 40.
The former Love Island host was found dead at her London flat.
A statement from her family read: "We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th of February.
"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."
Laura Whitmore, who took over hosting the Love Island from Flack this winter, tweeted: "I'm trying to find the words but I can't", followed by a broken hearted emoji.
TV presenter Jonathan Ross revealed he had been in touch with Flack recently, said: "I am very sad to hear that Caroline Flack is dead. I had been in touch with her recently and had hoped she was doing better. She was talented and smart and likeable and she will he missed. It's awful."
X Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary posted on Instagram writing: "Just the worst news. Poor soul. Sending love to hers, and yours. Hold them tight tonight people. X Candles lit."
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."
Susanna Reid tweeted: "My heart is absolutely broken for Caroline Flack and everybody who loves her."
This is going to hurt forever 💔 pic.twitter.com/EJBLuBY5g4
— Amber Davies (@Amber_Davies7) February 15, 2020
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 😢 💔
— Chris Hughes (@chrishughes_22) February 15, 2020
We are both devastated to hear the news about Caroline Flack. It is beyond sad. Beyond words. So tragic. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
— antanddec (@antanddec) February 15, 2020
Rest In Peace Caroline
XX
Krishnan Guru-Murthy, who appeared last year with Ms Flack in The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer, tweeted: "My heart goes out to Caroline Flack and everyone who loved her. It's just awful.
"In my brief experience of meeting her on #GBBO she was big hearted, funny and very likeable. What terrible times she must have gone through recently. A tragedy."
This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield paid tribute to Flack with a post on his Instagram stories.
He added text above a message that Flack had posted on social media, which read: "In a world where you can be anything, be kind".
Caroline was a fun, bright & sparky person whose whole world collapsed recently, both professionally & personally. She told me it had been the worst time of her life, and was clearly struggling to cope with losing everything she held dear.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 15, 2020
This is such sad, awful news. pic.twitter.com/UAzKOlmZFA
Former Love Islands contestants issued their statements, with many referencing stars Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, who both appeared on separate series of the show and later also took their own lives.
Chris Hughes, who went on the show in 2017, said: "Words can’t sum this up. So sad. Another amazing person taking from this cruel world.
"When will people and press realise celebrities are humans, with the same feelings everyone else has.
Tragically sad news about Caroline Flack. Heartbreaking to think she felt so alone. We have to be kinder and more compassionate to those who are struggling. Rest In Peace Dancing Queen x
— Katherine Jenkins (@KathJenkins) February 15, 2020
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. 😢😢😢😢
— Zara Holland (@zaraholland11) February 15, 2020
"Can’t believe to imagine the pain. God bless Caroline and her family. Rest tight."Series five Love Island finalist Molly-Mae Hague wrote: "I'm utterly shocked and heartbroken," she wrote. "Caroline you were such a special woman. Your huge smile will stay with me forever... Rest in peace".
Series two contestant Zara Holland tweeted: "The media & trolls are killing people. Please THINK before you speak."
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.
