Caroline Flack, television presenter and Love Island host, has been found dead. Caroline, who recently stepped back from Love Island duties due to an ongoing legal case, is reported to have passed away at her flat in London.
A statement from her family statement confirms the news. 'We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February', it reads.
'We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.' A lawyer for the family confirmed that Caroline took her own life.
Earlier this week, Caroline had broken a seven-week break from social media, posting an Instagram photo series of her with her dog, Ruby.
Caroline, 40, was set to appear in court on March 4th, following allegations of an altercation with her boyfriend Lewis Burton in December. She entered a plea of not guilty, and had been released on bail awaiting trial. Earlier in February, she had announced that she would soon speak out on the coverage surrounding the case. 'I'm going to speak today… mine and my family's life is no longer up for entertainment or gossip.'
She won Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, and has also appeared in the West End playing Roxie Hart in Chicago.
At the time of her step back from Love Island ahead of this year's winter series, ITV posted a statement.
'ITV has a long-standing relationship with Caroline and we understand and accept her decision. We will remain in contact with her over the coming months about future series of Love Island.'
According to reports, Caroline's family have been informed of the sad news. Grazia has reached out to representatives.
Caroline had begun her impressive career in television through a performance in Bo Selecta, but quickly became one of the country's favourite presenters. Highlights included stints on The X Factor and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! spin-off Now.
Samaritans, which offers a free listening service, can be contacted via its website or by phone on 116 123.