Former Love Island and X Factor host Caroline Flack dies aged 40
British reality television presenter Caroline Flack has died at the age of 40, her family has confirmed.
"We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th of February," her family said in a statement that also requested privacy.
Flack took her own life.
Television network ITV paid tribute to the host, whose presenting roles included Love Island, Gladiators, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, The X Factor and The Xtra Factor.
"Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news," an ITV spokeswoman said.
"Caroline was a much loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends."
Caroline stepped down from presenting Love Island after she was alleged to have assaulted her boyfriend at her London apartment in December.
She had pleaded not guilty to assault and been released on bail ahead of a trial next month.
She hosted the first five series of the popular Love Island, one of the most-watched reality shows in the UK in recent years.
Tributes have begun to flow in for the star who had been working in UK TV for almost two decades.
She began her career as an actress, starring in Bo' Selecta! in 2002.
So so devastating. Can’t believe I’m writing RIP Caroline Flack, she was an amazing woman and always someone I looked up to in our line of work, She gave me advice on how to handle trolls & papers writing bullshit multiple times and I can’t even imagine how she would have felt..
— Maya Jama (@MayaJama) February 15, 2020
Utterly shocked and desperately sad to hear of the death of Caroline Flack. This negative hounding that has become a norm needs to stop. My thoughts are with her friends and family.
No one should feel so isolated they feel like there is no way out. There is help and support. pic.twitter.com/mXGbAuibdo— Rosie Marcel (@RealRosieMarcel) February 15, 2020
Tragically sad news about Caroline Flack. Heartbreaking to think she felt so alone. We have to be kinder and more compassionate to those who are struggling. Rest In Peace Dancing Queen x
— Katherine Jenkins (@KathJenkins) February 15, 2020
Caroline opened up about her own mental health struggles in an Instagram post to her followers back in October.
“I wanted to write something about mental health day last week but I was knee deep in work. And some days it’s hard to write your feelings of your not in the right place,” she told her 2.3 million followers.
“The last few weeks I’ve been in a really weird place … I find it hard to talk about it … I guess it’s anxiety and pressure of life … and when I actually reached out to someone they said I was draining.
“I feel like this is why some people keep their emotions to themselves. I certainly hate talking about my feelings. And being a burden is my biggest fear…
“I’m lucky to be able to pick myself up when things feel shit.
“But what happens if someone can’t. Be nice to people. You never know what’s going on. Ever.”
with AAP
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
