15 February 2024 , 09:01
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Love Island has shared a moving tribute to Caroline Flack, four years after her tragic death.
The late presenter who died aged 40 presented the programme from its first series in 2015 until 2019 when she announced she would be stepping down. Following her devastating death in 2020, her friend Laura Whitmore, who replaced her as the host told viewers that Caroline "loved love" and also loved the programme.
Caroline tragically took her own life at her home in Stoke Newington, North London, four years ago today after her mental health deteriorated following a court case. She was charged with assault by beating after a row at her London flat with Burton. Caroline pleaded not guilty and her boyfriend always maintained her innocence, while her family slammed prosecutors for pursuing the case against the star - calling it a "show trial".
The official Instagram page for Love Island shared a stunning snap of Caroline, taken on the set of the dating programme as she flashed her famous smile. Alongside the black and white image, they penned: "Caroline. Always in our hearts."
Caroline tragically died aged 40 (PA)
Love Island have shared an emotional tribute to the late Caroline Flack (Instagram)Flack tragically hung herself, with a coroner ruling that her death was a suicide. Following her death, Love Island was pulled from screens as a mark of respect as people rushed to pay tribute to her. Instead of generic advertising, the show aired adverts for the mental health support charity, Samaritans. Opening the programme days after her death, friend and narrator Iain Stirling said: "We are all absolutely devastated by the tragic news that Caroline, a much-loved member of our Love Island family, has passed away.
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"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this dreadful time. Her passion, warmth, and infectious enthusiasm were a crucial part of what made the show connect with millions of viewers, like many of you, right now we're all just trying to come to terms with what has happened. Caroline, I want to thank you for all the fun times we had making our favourite show, you were a true friend to me. I’m gonna miss you, Cas."
During an inquest, Caroline's heartbroken mum Christine was given the chance to ask questions to one police officer involved in her daughter's case. She said that Caroline "killed her herself" because of the police's decision to appeal the prosecutor's decision which would have seen Flack cautioned, rather than arrested. Christine went on: "I just think you should be disgusted with yourself. I hope in hindsight you do regret this... You never saw Caroline. You never saw any evidence. You went on a drunken phone call from a man.''
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] if you'd prefer to write down how you feel