Caroline Flack, famous British TV presenter, has been found to have taken her own life. She is known for presenting ‘Love Island’, the radio show ‘Heart Radio’, and, for winning ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Caroline Flack, famous British TV presenter, has been found to have taken her own life. She is known for presenting ‘Love Island’, the radio show ‘Heart Radio’, for winning ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
This devastating news was reported on 15 February 2020 after she had been found in her London flat.
Flack recently resigned from presenting ‘Love Island’ in December after sexual assault allegations for her ex-boyfriend, former professional tennis player, Lewis Burton for which she was to attend court. She was granted a not guilty plea on the condition that there would not be any contact between her and Burton.?
However, on the 14 February, Burton reached out to Flack; reminiscing about their past relationship. He posted on Instagram an old photo of the couple with the caption, ‘Happy Valentines, ‘love you’.?Flack quickly replied?with a photo of her and her beloved dog. Over 260,000 fans reacted to the post.
This is not the first ‘Love Island’ star to have been found to have ended their own life. Reality TV star and ex-footballer, Mike Thalassitis (26), and model Sophie Gradon (32), were both found to allegedly have committed suicide.?
With families of all three stars stating that they had been suffering from mental health issues after participating in the show, it does come into question as to whether the programme is to blame.?
It was in 2019, after Thalassitis's death, that ‘Love Island’ stated they would offer support and ‘bespoke training’ to future contestants.
Flack was liked by many fellow celebrities, who have been reaching out to her friends and family on social media. ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ presenter, Davina McCall stated "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."
Flack’s loved ones have requested that people “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."
Saturday 15th February’s episode of ‘Love Island’ did not air in commemoration of Flack. Equally, Channel 4’s television series, ‘The Surjury’, which Flack also hosted, will also no longer air.?
The public have taken to social media in the aftermath of the news. Some Facebook users have updated their display pictures with a frame with the words 'Be Kind' and the hashtag with the same words is trending on Twitter in commemoration of Flack.
Anyone in a similar situation is urged to seek help. Samaritans have a free 24/7 helpline at 116 123 and NHS 111 has a call line for people who need urgent (but not life-threatening) mental health care.