Caroline Flack: Ex-Love Island host found dead at 40
Ex-Love Island host Caroline Flack has been found dead in her London flat aged 40.
A lawyer for the family said the star had taken her own life.
She was due to face trial in March over allegations that she had assaulted her boyfriend, which she denied.
A family statement read: "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 last Instagram post came on Friday, a day before her death – and showed her giving her pet dog Ruby a kiss.
A day earlier she wrote: "I'm going to speak today... mine and my family's life is no longer up for entertainment or gossip."
But a source said she wrote the post "without thinking" and changed her mind.
Eamonn Holmes said in a tweet he was "shocked beyond belief".
Phillip Schofield paid tribute on Instagram. He wrote: "You poor darling girl my heart is breaking #BeKind".
Davina McCall also responded to the tragedy.
She tweeted: "I'm so so sad to hear about @carolineflack1.
"I don't even know what to say. But my heart goes out to her friends and family x I might be a bit quiet tonight on social media .. just doesn't seem right."
Jack Whitehall says her death is "utterly devastating", adding she was a "fun, kind and beautiful" person.
Utterly devastating about Caroline Flack. She was a fun, kind beautiful person, always loved seeing her. So unfair that this has happened. Let's pray we learn from this and remember to be a little bit more compassionate to people when they are down.
— Jack Whitehall (@jackwhitehall) February 15, 2020
Jonathan Ross said Flack was "talented and smart and likeable".
I am very sad to hear that Caroline Flack is dead. I had been in touch with her recently and had hoped she was doing better. She was talented and smart and likeable and she will he missed. It's awful.
— Jonathan Ross (@wossy) February 15, 2020
Kirsty Gallacher calls Flack her "little sister" saying they shared "20 years of friendship".
I love you darling ❤️ You were my little sister, 20 years of friendship. We grew up together in this industry. Fun, kind and brilliant in every way. You don't know how much we'll miss you. My heart is broken. pic.twitter.com/AhkV0qVAaN
— Kirsty Gallacher (@TheRealKirstyG) February 15, 2020
Susanna Reid says she is heartbroken at the news.
My heart is absolutely broken for Caroline Flack and everybody who loves her.
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) February 15, 2020
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.
