LOVE Island have cancelled tonight’s show following the tragic death of former host Caroline Flack.
The 40-year-old star was today found dead in her flat after taking her own life.
It has now been confirmed that ITV2’s scheduled episode of Unseen Bits, which was due to air at 9pm this evening, has been pulled from viewing.
ITV also paid tribute to Caroline in a heartfelt statement, which read: “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.”
The popular star’s devastated family announced the sad news of Caroline’s death earlier this evening, saying in a statement: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February.
“We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.”
Caroline became the face of Love Island in June 2015, with the reality series initially running between 2005 and 2006 with celebrity contestants.
The popular dating show enjoyed huge success over the years, with viewers at home falling in love with the programme.
In 2018, it even won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Reality and Constructed Factual, with stunned Caroline accepting the accolade.
In her speech, the overwhelmed star gushed: “Wow, a BAFTA. On behalf of all of us thank you so much.
“It’s been so brilliant watching this show grown over the last three years.
“A huge thank you to all the Islanders for giving so much of themselves.”
Going from strength to strength, last summer’s Love Island final broke records as ITV2’s most watched show in history – with over three million viewers tuning in to watch Amber Gill and Greg O’Shea take home the crown.
Caroline stepped down as host of Love Island after being charged with assaulting boyfriend Lewis Burton shortly before Christmas, with Laura Whitmore stepping in as her replacement.
She was due in court next month, having always insisted her innocence.
Model Lewis, 27, also denied the prosecution and made a public declaration of his love for the star in a heartfelt Valentine’s Day post yesterday.
The ex tennis player was told the terrible news of Caroline’s death while on a skiing holiday with pals – and was tonight travelling back to the UK.
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others.
You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
Those close to Caroline are said to be furious that the CPS had continued to prosecute Caroline despite Lewis making clear he did not want them to and there being no serious injury.
Her famous friends have taken to social media to share heartbreaking tributes to the star, with Laura Whitmore, Philllip Schofield and ex Islanders sharing their sadness at her death.
Caroline’s final Instagram post came just two days before her death and showed her giving beloved dog Ruby a kiss.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116123
