ITV has made the decision not to air Sunday night's episode of Love Island after former presenter Caroline Flack died, aged 40, yesterday, 15 February. A lawyer for the Flack family issued a statement saying that Caroline, who had stepped down from Love Island after being charged with assault, had taken her own life.
Today (16 February) an ITV spokesperson said: 'Many people at ITV knew Caroline well and held her in great affection. All of us are absolutely devastated at this tragic news.
'After careful consultation between Caroline’s representatives and the Love Island production team and given how close we still are to the news of Caroline’s tragic death we have decided not to broadcast tonight’s Love Island out of respect for Caroline’s family. Love Island will return tomorrow night which will include a tribute to Caroline who will be forever in our hearts.'
Last night, ITV2 did not screen a clips episode of Love Island in its 9pm slot. Some fans and public figures are calling for the cancellation of the show in light of the tragedy.
Caroline had presented the much-loved reality TV show since 2015, but stepped down for this year's winter series after she was accused of assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton. The trial was due to begin on 4 March. Last night, a voiceover told ITV2 viewers 'In light of today's sad news, we are replacing tonight's episode of Unseen Bits with a double bill of You've Been Framed.'
Laura Whitmore, a friend of Flack's who took over as presenter earlier this year, spoke about Caroline's passion for Love Island as she paid tribute to her friend in an emotional, heartfelt statement on BBC Radio 5 Live.
She said: 'Caroline loved to love. That’s all she wanted. Which is why a show like Love Island was important to her because the show is about finding love, friendship, having a laugh. The problem wasn’t the show. The show to work on is loving and caring and safe and protected. The problem is the outside world is not.'
Whitmore criticised the tabloid media, paparazzi photographers and those who posted hateful messages on social media. She said she wanted to use her platform to encourage others to be kind. She concluded 'To everyone, be kind in what you say.'
Love Island remembered its presenter in an Instagram post, 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.'
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