Viewers call for Love Island to be axed after death of Caroline Flack
ITV has cancelled an episode of Love Island after the death of Caroline Flack, however fans are now calling for the popular reality series to be axed completely.
Former Love Island and X-Factor presenter Caroline was found dead in her east London flat aged 40 on Saturday.
Love Island: Unseen Bits, which airs at 9pm on Saturday nights on ITV2 in the UK, was pulled from the schedules and replaced by reruns of You’ve Been Framed.
Winter Love Island UK is available to watch on 9Now in Australia, with new episodes normally being added daily from 6pm AEDT. The next episode of the live show will now be available Monday night.
Caroline Flack’s family share tragic news
A lawyer for Caroline’s family confirmed the TV presenter had taken her own life.
Following her death, 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.”
Her family also confirmed her death in a statement, adding: “We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today, the 15th of February.
“We would ask that the press respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and we would ask they make no attempt to contact us and/or photograph us.”
Laura Whitmore took over as host of ITV2 dating show Love Island this year when Flack stepped down after being charged with assault following a row with boyfriend Lewis Burton.
She was awaiting trial after pleading not guilty to charges of assault by beating at a hearing last month.
Viewers call for Love Island to be axed
Caroline is the third person linked to the reality program to have died, prompting viewers to demand the show be axed.
“Love Island needs to be taken off,” one person said on Twitter.
But yes that love Island needs to be taken off . The young kids boys & girls are influenced by there body’s and are suffering with self a steam wanting body’s like them. A load of wanna be’s.
— monica o'reilly (@namelesslady) February 15, 2020
@LoveIsland Again, blood in your hands. You should have protected @carolineflack1. You had a moral obligation to ensure she had all the support she needed. #BeKind
— Alexander Bain (@bain88_bain) February 15, 2020
Former star Sophie Gradon took her own life at her parents home in 2018, having opened up about the devastating impact of being trolled online after starring on Love Island UK just months before.
“There would be so many negative comments,” she told Radio Aire. “They are commenting on the way you look, the way you talk. They would come up with an opinion of you on a TV show where they’ve watched you for 45 minutes.”
Her body was discovered by her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong who took his own life 20 days later.
Then in March 2019, UK Love Island star Mike Thalassitis died aged 26.
At the time Caroline shared a tribute writing: “Mike… you were a total gentleman… I won’t forget that… it’s so so sad… you will be missed. RIP.”
With additional reporting by Albertina Lloyd.
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.
