Caroline Flack: Iain Stirling pays tribute in first Love Island episode since former host's death
Show returns to ITV2 two days after the former host was found dead at her home in north London
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Love Island narrator Iain Stirling opened Monday’s episode with a tribute to former host Caroline Flack, who died on Saturday 15 February after taking her own life.
Stirling, who has provided voiceovers for the ITV2 show since its inception, said he and the show’s team were “absolutely devastated” at Flack's death.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this dreadful time,” he said, echoing a previous statement issued by the broadcaster.
“Caroline and me were together from the very start of Love Island, and her passion, warmth and enthusiasm were what connected the show with millions of viewers.
“My only hope, is that we can try and be kinder, always show love and try and listen to one another.
“Caroline, I want to thank you for the fun times we had making our favourite show. You meant everything to me. I’m gonna miss you, Caz.”
A message from Samaritans was later broadcast during the adverts with the hashtag #BeKind, referencing a recent message Flack had posted on Instagram.
Flack was found dead in her north London home on Saturday 15 February. A lawyer for Flack’s family said she had taken her own life.
The 40-year-old had been replaced as host of the reality dating show after being charged with assaulting her boyfriend last year, and was due to stand trial. She denied the charge.
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ITV said it had decided not to air Sunday night’s show out of respect for Flack’s family, in a statement that said the broadcasting team was “absolutely devastated” at the news of her death.
“Love Island will return [tonight] which will include a tribute to Caroline who will be forever in our hearts,” a spokesperson said.
Flack’s management company said she had been under “huge pressure”, and criticised the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for refusing to drop the assault charge, despite her boyfriend Lewis Burton saying he did not want the case to go ahead.
Bail conditions prevented Flack from having any contact with Burton ahead of the trial.
Defending its role, the CPS said it would not comment on specific cases but instead outlined the way it reached decisions of whether to charge someone or not.
“We do not decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence – that is for the jury, judge or magistrate – but we must make the key decision of whether a case should be put before a court,” a spokesperson said.
Over the weekend, Flack’s friend and Love Island replacement Laura Whitmore paid tribute to her “vivacious” and “loving friend”, but also called out those who had criticised Flack before her death.
“Anyone who has ever compared one woman against another on Twitter, knocked someone because of their appearance, invaded someone else’s privacy, who have made mean, unnecessary comments on an online forum – they need to look at themselves,” she said.
Dozens of other celebrities have paid tribute to Flack, including Dancing on Ice co-presenters Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can contact a Samaritan for confidential support on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org