Caroline Flack, Former ‘Love Island’ Host, Dies at 40

British radio and TV personality took her own life, family lawyer says

Caroline Flack
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Caroline Flack, former host of “Love Island,” has died at 40. A lawyer for the family told BBC that Flack took her own life.

“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,” Flack’s family said in a statement to the Press Association.

The British television presenter and radio host stepped down as host of the hit U.K. reality dating show after she was charged with assaulting her boyfriend, 27-year-old Lewis Burton in December. Flack pleaded not guilty and was due to stand trial on March 4.

After the arrest, Flack told her 2.3 million followers on Instagram, “This is the worst time of my life. I don’t know where to go to. Where to look. Who to trust. Or who I even am.”

A spokesperson from ITV, the British network that carries “Love Island,” 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.”

Earlier last year, she opened up to her Instagram followers, saying that her “biggest fear” was being a burden” and that she had been struggling with “anxiety and (the) pressure of life.”

Laura Whitmore, who stepped in as “Love Island” host when Flack exited, tweeted a photo of her and Flack with a poem and note saying, “I’m trying to find the words but I can’t.”

In addition to “Love Island,” Flack hosted “The Xtra Factor” from 2011 to 2013 and won Season 12 of “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2014. She also went on to co-host the 13th season of “The X Factor” and take on the role of Roxie Hart in the West End stage production of “Chicago.”

Her personal life made headlines when she began dating a then 17-year-old One Direction star Harry Styles when she was 31, and later when rumors surfaced that she was dating Prince Harry.

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