Caroline Flack death: Lewis Burton and Ant and Dec lead tributes to presenter

‘I’m trying to find the words but I can’t,’ says Love Island host Whitmore

Tributes have been pouring in for former Love Island presenter Caroline Flack, who was found dead at her flat on Saturday (15 February).

A lawyer for the Flack family confirmed that Caroline took her own life and was found in her east London home.

Flack was set to face trial in March over allegations that she had assaulted her boyfriend Lewis Burton at her flat, which she denied.

She entered a not guilty plea at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court in December.

Flack stepped down from her role as Love Island presenter following the allegations and was replaced by Laura Whitmore for the winter series.

Former Love Island contestants and other reality stars have been remembering Flack on Twitter.

Whitmore tweeted the words “I’m trying to find the words but I can’t” alongside a message reading: “To lose someone so special is really hard to bear, it hardly seems believable that you’re no longer there. You left us far too early, before your time it seems, and now you’ll never have the chance to fulfil all those dreams.

“However hard it is though, we’ll take comfort in the thought, of all the memories we gave and the happiness you brought. You always lived life to the full but ours won’t be the same, until the day when we can see your smiling face again.”

Burton posted a picture of them as a couple on Instagram, alongside a tribute beginning with the words: "My heart is broken we had something so special.

An ITV spokeswoman said: "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."

“Words can’t sum this up,” wrote Love Island’s Chris Hughes. “So sad. Another amazing person taking from this cruel world. When will people and and press release celebrities are humans, with the same feelings everyone else has. Can’t believe to imagine the pain. God bless Caroline and her family. Rest tight.”

“Just seen on Twitter the devastating news that Caroline Flack has been found dead in her home,” said Dancing on Ice’s James Jordan. “I’m so sad right now and I actually can’t believe it. Can’t imagine what her family are going through right now.”

Geordie Shore’s Holly Hagan added: “Poor Caroline Flack, she did not deserve this.”

Myleene Klass wrote: “Completely shocked by the news. @carolineflack1 I hope you’ve found your peace x RIP.”

Phillip Schofield paid tribute to Flack with a post on his Instagram stories. He added text above a message that Flack had posted on social media, which read: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”. Schofield wrote: “You poor darling girl my heart is breaking #BeKind”.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can reach out for confidential support at Samaritans by calling 116 124 or visiting their website​