Love Island paid a touching tribute to former host Caroline Flack, four years after her tragic death.
The late presenter, who was just 40 when she passed away, was the face of the popular ITV2 dating show starting from its reveal in 2015 until she left in 2019. Tragically, Caroline sadly ended her own life at her London pad following legal troubles that took a heavy toll on her mental health.
She had been dealing with charges linked to an encounter with her boyfriend, Lewis Burton. Although Lewis stood by Caroline, the prosecutors carried on with the case, which later her family described as a “show trial.”
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The official Instagram page of Love Island shared a heartfelt remembrance for the departed TV star. They posted a black and white snap of Caroline on the set of the show with a message: “Caroline. Always in our hearts.”
(Image: Matt Crossick/PA Wire)
When Caroline made her exit from the dating series, Laura Whitmore stepped into her shoes as the host. Post Caroline’s heart-wrenching death, Laura uttered moving words for her dear friend, recalling how Caroline “loved love” and resonated happiness working on the show.
On hearing about her passing, Love Island respectfully suspended airing episodes and loving messages poured in from her admirers and acquaintances. When the show recommenced, it broadcasted messages from mental health charity, Samaritans.
(Image: Instagram/Love Island)
Days after her passing, her friend and narrator Iain Stirling said on the show: “We are all absolutely devastated by the tragic news that Caroline, a much-loved member of our Love Island family, has passed away. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this dreadful time.”
“Her passion, warmth, and infectious enthusiasm were a crucial part of what made the show connect with millions of viewers, like many of you, right now we’re all just trying to come to terms with what has happened. Caroline, I want to thank you for all the fun times we had making our favourite show, you were a true friend to me. I’m gonna miss you, Cas.”
(Image: James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
During an inquest, Caroline’s heartbroken mum Christine got the chance to question one police officer involved in her daughter’s case. She said that Caroline “killed her herself” because of the police’s decision to appeal the prosecutor’s decision which would have seen her cautioned, rather than arrested. Christine added: “I just think you should be disgusted with yourself. I hope in hindsight you do regret this… You never saw Caroline. You never saw any evidence. You went on a drunken phone call from a man.”
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
