Contestants on this year’s Love Island have not yet been told about Caroline Flack’s death, according to reports.
A Love Island source said it’s “business as usual” in the villa, with contenders unaware that former host Caroline Flack took her own life.
Islanders appearing on the current series are the first to take part in the winter series, set in South Africa, which has been presented by Laura Whitmore after Flack, 40, stepped down following a suspected assault.
A Love Island spokesman said: “Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by their desperately sad news,” with MailOnline revealing that the contestants have not been told about her death.
Journalist Mark Di Stefano took to Twitter on Sunday to report that ITV chiefs were in a meeting to discuss the response to Flack’s death.
He wrote: “ITV execs and programme makers are meeting now to discuss how to respond to Caroline Flack’s death. Told to expect more information this afternoon on tonight’s episode of Love Island and the long-term.”
Caroline Flack used to host Love Island before Laura Whitmore took over for the winter edition (Image: ITV/REX)
Flack tragically took her own life in her east London home while a friend she was with “popped out” to the shops.
The news came just hours after it came to light that she would face trial next month after being arrested in December on suspicion of assaulting her boyfriend, 27-year-old Lewis Burton, despite his wish to drop charges.
Last night’s Love Island highlights show was cancelled to mark respect for the former host, but there are no signs that the rest of the season will follow suit.
Another show Flack recorded for Channel 4 called The Surjury has been cancelled in an effort to pay respects to the 40-year-old.
Caroline and pal Laura Whitmore (Image: @thewhitmore /Twitter)
The new series, which revolved around participants trying to get plastic surgery by getting the thumbs up by a jury of 12 people, was set air late this year.
A Channel 4 spokesperson told Metro: “We are shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news about Caroline Flack.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to Caroline’s family and friends. Under the circumstances, we gave decided not to broadcast The Surjury.”
Caroline Flack in series four of Love Island (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The ex-presenter was described by pals as feeling alone and that she was unable to “see a way out”.
They claim Flack was using anti-depressants and was struggling with her mental health before her death.
Flack’s boyfriend Lewis Burton, took to Instagram to post an emotional tribute to his late girlfriend, who he was not allowed to have any contact with before the trial due to strict bail conditions.
Caroline and boyfriend Lewis Burton (Image: Instagram)
Beside a picture of them, he wrote: “ My heart is broken we had something so special.
“I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don’t think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking.
“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 and make you proud everyday. I love you with all my heart.”
Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year.
If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
